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LiverCancerConnect

Questions to Ask

Questions When Newly Diagnosed

  • What type and subtype of liver cancer do I have and what stage is it?
  • Has the cancer spread beyond my liver?
  • How large is the tumor?
  • Can the tumor be removed surgically? 
  • Do I have chronic hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C infections? What does this mean?
  • Am I a carrier of hepatitis B and/or C? What does this mean?
  • Do I have cirrhosis of the liver? How well is my liver working?
  • Do I have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)? What does this mean?
  • Can you explain my blood test results or imaging studies to me? Can I get a copy of all of the results?

Questions About Treatment

  • What are my treatment options and how will they help me? What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
  • What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?
  • Do I need any more tests before we decide on my treatment?
  • Do I need to see any other doctors before I start treatment?
  • Do I need to start treatment right away?
  • Who will be a part of my healthcare team and who will be leading my overall treatment?
  • What should I expect during the treatment process and what are the possible long-term side effects of treatment?
  • What are the chances that the cancer will come back?

Additional Questions

  • Are there any clinical trials for liver cancer that I might be able to participate in?
  • Where can I find help with insurance issues?
  • If I'm worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?
  • What support services are available to me and my family?
  • Are there any liver cancer support groups, either in-person or online?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me?

Find more questions to ask here: Cancer.net Liver Cancer: Questions to Ask the Health Care Team