# Liver cancer treatment: surgery, ablation and transplant

> Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treatment

## 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.

## 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.

## Related pages in this guide

- Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer
- Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/symptoms
- Scans & AFP: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/tests
- Treatment: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/liver-cancer/treatment

## 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.

## How you can help

World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency

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This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.