Liver Cancer

A liver cancer diagnosis can bring a lot of uncertainty, but understanding your options can help you feel more in control. In White Plains, New York, diagnostic and interventional radiologist Tate Kirk, MD, centers your care around minimally invasive treatments that target tumors while protecting healthy tissue. These advanced therapies mean less downtime and fewer complications. Call the office to schedule a liver evaluation with Dr. Kirk or book one online today.

What is liver cancer?

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the tissues of your liver, one of the largest internal organs in your body. It can begin in the liver as primary liver cancer or spread from another part of the body as metastatic cancer. 

Because your liver plays a critical role in filtering blood and supporting your digestion, early detection and treatment are important for the best outcomes. At first, there may only be a few symptoms, but as the condition progresses, you may notice:

• Abdominal pain
• Swollen belly
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite

Dr. Kirk reviews your medical history, then evaluates your symptoms and imaging tests to determine the best next steps.

How is liver cancer treated?

The goal of liver cancer treatment is to destroy or control the tumor (or tumors) while saving as much healthy liver function as possible. In many cases, Dr. Kirk recommends minimally invasive, image-guided therapies as an effective alternative to traditional surgery.

He uses small instruments guided by advanced imaging technology to deliver treatment directly to cancerous areas. Because they’re less invasive, treatment usually involves shorter recovery times, fewer complications, and no hospital stay.

Common options include:

• Tumor ablation, which uses heat energy to destroy cancer cells
• Embolization, which blocks blood flow to the tumor
• Y-90 radioembolization, which radiates the tumor

You may be a candidate for treatment if you have:

• Tumors confined to the liver
• Liver cancer that cannot be surgically removed
• Cancer that has moved to the liver (colon cancer, breast cancer)

These approaches help minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue while effectively targeting cancer cells.

What can I expect during and after treatment for liver cancer?

In chemoembolization (TACE) or Y90 radioembolization, you will receive medication to help you relax and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Dr. Kirk inserts a thin catheter through a small incision in your groin or wrist and uses live x-ray imaging to guide it to your liver. Once the catheter reaches the targeted area, treatment is delivered directly to the tumor. Afterward, he removes the catheter and applies a sterile bandage.

In percutaneous ablation, you will be given general anesthesia. Dr. Kirk inserts a probe needle through a tiny skin incision and uses imaging to guide it directly into the tumor. The probe needle is then activated and microwaves are used to kill the surrounding tumor.  The probe needle is then removed and a small sterile bandage is applied.

You’ll return home the same day. You may have some mild fatigue and discomfort, but recovery is quicker than with traditional surgery.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirk by phone or request one online today to learn which liver cancer treatment option may be right for you.