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.
Help a patient afford cancer care
Gifts go to the Cancer Emergency Appeal’s wider fund for patients who cannot pay. They do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
Donate to cancer careWhat 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.
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 can put them out of reach. The Cancer Emergency Appeal raises funds towards clinically recommended care for patients who cannot pay; gifts go to the wider fund and do not buy a guaranteed treatment or result.
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.
Editorial summary of published sources. A named oncology clinician has not signed off this guide. Use it to prepare questions for your healthcare team, not to diagnose symptoms or choose treatment. Editorial responsibility: Kaiser Khan. Updated 4 October 2026.
What are the sources for this guide?
Follow the original guidance for its evidence, dates and limitations. General background references are not a clinical review of this page.