HEALTH INSIGHTS

Liver Cancer: Treatment Questions

March 21, 2017

Liver Cancer: Treatment Questions

Talking with healthcare providers about your liver cancer can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all of the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and bring them to your appointments. Write the answers down in a notebook. Make sure you ask how the treatment might change your daily life, including your diet, and how you will look and feel after treatment. Ask how successful the treatment is expected to be, and what the risks and possible side effects are. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to go with you. He or she can take notes and write down the answers, and also ask questions you may not think of. You can also ask your health care provider if you can record the conversation.

Below are some questions to ask during your checkups. Not all of these might apply to your situation. But asking the questions that do apply can help you get a better idea of what to expect.

Deciding on a treatment

  • Do I need any more tests before we decide on treatment?

  • What is the stage (extent) of my cancer? How does this affect my treatment options?

  • How well is the rest of my liver working?

  • What are my treatment options? 

  • What treatment do you think is best for me? Why?

  • What are the goals of treatment?

  • What is the success rate of this treatment for my type and stage of cancer?

  • What is the average life expectancy for someone with my stage of cancer getting this treatment?

  • How much experience do you have treating cancers like mine?

  • Should I get a second opinion? 

  • Are there any clinical trials I should look into?

Getting ready for treatment

  • How soon do I need to start treatment?

  • How long will each treatment take?

  • Where do I have to go for treatment?

  • Who will give me the treatment?

  • Does someone need to go with me during treatments?

  • Can I take my other medicines during treatment?

  • How long will I be in treatment?

Coping during treatment

  • How will I feel during and after the treatment?

  • Will I be able to go to work and be around my family during treatment?

  • What side effects can I expect?

  • How long are the side effects likely to last?

  • Will treatment affect how active I can be?

  • Will there be side effects I need to call you about?

  • What can I do to ease the side effects?

  • Should I change my diet? What foods can’t I eat?

  • Are there support groups nearby that I can join?

After treatment

  • How will I feel after the treatment?

  • What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?

  • How will we know if treatment worked?

  • What are my options if the treatment doesn't work or if the cancer comes back?

Making a decision

When you have answers from your healthcare provider, it’s time to think about your preferences. Think about what side effects you can and can’t tolerate. Talk about your concerns with your healthcare provider before making a decision about treatment.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

Bruix, J. Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Update. Hepatology(1011); 53(3); pp. s1020-s1022, Up To Date. Clinical Features and Diagnosis of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Up To Date. Epidemiology and Etiologic Associaations of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Reviewed By:  

MMI board-certified, academically affiliated clinician