Liver Cancer: Questions to Ask the Health Care Team

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 08/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.

Talking often with the health care team is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you. You may want to print this list and bring it to your next appointment. It may also be helpful to ask a family member or friend to come with you to appointments to help take notes.

Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis

  • What type and subtype of liver cancer do I have?

  • How large is the tumor?

  • What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?

  • Can the tumor be removed surgically? What does this mean?

  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

Questions to ask about risk factors

  • Do I have cirrhosis of the liver? What does this mean?

  • Do I have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? What does this mean?

  • Am I a carrier of hepatitis B or C? What does this mean?

Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects

  • What are my treatment options?

  • What types of research are being done for liver cancer in clinical trials? Do clinical trials offer additional treatment options for 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?

  • What are the chances for success with the planned treatment?

  • What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

  • Do I need to start treatment right away?

  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

  • Who will be leading my overall treatment?

  • How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

  • Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

  • Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?

  • If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?

  • What support services are available to me? To my family?

  • If I have questions or problems, who should I call?

Questions to ask about having surgery

  • How much of my liver will be removed?

  • Will I need a liver transplant?

  • If I need a liver transplant, am I likely to be prioritized on the transplant waiting list? How long should I expect to wait?

  • How long will the operation take?

  • Will I need to stay in the hospital for this surgery? If so, for how long?

  • Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible side effects of my surgery, in the short term and the long term?

Questions to ask about chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy

  • What type of treatment is recommended?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How will it be delivered (through an intravenous (IV) tube, a catheter, or a pill)?

  • What does the preparation for this treatment involve?

  • How long will it take to give this treatment?

  • Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve these side effects?

Questions to ask about having radiation therapy

  • What type of treatment is recommended?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How long will it take to give this treatment?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • What are the possible long-term or late effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to prevent or relieve these side effects?

Questions to ask about planning follow-up care

  • What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

  • What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the cancer treatment I received?

  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will those tests be needed?

  • How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

  • When should I return to my primary care doctor for regular medical care?

  • Who will be leading my follow-up care?

  • What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

The next section in this guide is Additional Resources. It offers some more resources on this website that may be helpful to you. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.