In short
Treatment depends on the size of the tumour and how damaged the rest of the liver is. Options include removing the tumour, burning it (ablation), blocking its blood supply, transplant in selected people, or targeted drugs. Overall UK survival is around 13% because many cases are late. World Aid Network funds treatment access overseas, not research.
A hepatobiliary multidisciplinary team plans care. Cirrhosis often limits what surgery can safely do.
When is surgery possible?
If the tumour is confined and the remaining liver is healthy enough, resection can be curative. Many people are not candidates because of cirrhosis.
What are ablation and TACE?
Ablation uses heat to destroy small tumours. TACE (chemoembolisation) delivers treatment through the artery that feeds the tumour. They are specialist radiology procedures.
What about transplant and drugs?
Some people meet strict transplant criteria. Targeted tablets are used when local treatments are not possible. World Aid Network does not run transplant programmes; we fund bills at partner hospitals where the treatment is already available.
What are the key takeaways?
- The rest of the liver matters as much as the tumour.
- Several local treatments exist besides open surgery.
- WAN funds access, not laboratory research.
Care like this is out of reach for millions
The diagnosis, screening and treatment described here are routine in the UK. In Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia, poverty puts them out of reach — so a treatable cancer too often becomes a fatal one. World Aid Network funds treatment through locally-licensed oncologists for patients who cannot pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is liver cancer always fatal?
No. Small tumours in a well-compensated liver can be cured. Late disease is harder, which is why surveillance in cirrhosis matters.
Does chemotherapy work?
Classic intravenous chemotherapy is not the usual first treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeted drugs and local procedures are.
Do you fund transplants?
We do not run a transplant service. Funding follows what a licensed partner hospital can actually deliver for an eligible patient.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It was reviewed by the World Aid Network editorial team for accuracy against NHS and World Health Organization sources. Always speak to a GP or qualified clinician about your own health.