Conditions · Liver

Liver tumours

Finding out you have a growth in your liver is unsettling. This page walks you through what those growths can be, how Tom assesses them, and what surgery involves when it is the right step.

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Benign & cancer

Both types assessed carefully

Keyhole / open

Approach matched to your case

Regenerates

The liver can grow back

Team care

Surgery planned with your specialists

/ 01What they are

What types of liver tumours are there?

A liver tumour means a growth in the liver. Some are benign. Some start in the liver (such as hepatocellular carcinoma). Others have spread from elsewhere, most often the bowel. Identifying the type is the first step before any plan.

Benign (non-cancerous) growths

Things like haemangiomas, adenomas, and cysts. Many need nothing more than watching. Others are better removed if they are growing, causing symptoms, or carry a risk of bleeding.

Primary liver cancer

Cancer that starts in the liver itself, most often hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumour, and how well the rest of your liver is working.

Cancer that has spread to the liver

Often from bowel cancer (colorectal liver metastases). Selected patients may be considered for resection after multidisciplinary assessment of disease extent, liver reserve and other treatment options.

/ 02How Tom assesses it

How are liver tumours assessed before treatment?

Assessment usually includes a careful review of your scans with Tom, blood tests of liver function, biopsy only when it changes the plan, and a clear discussion of surgery versus other options.

A careful look at your scans with Tom, so you understand exactly what they show
Blood tests to check how well your liver is working
Sometimes a biopsy, but only when it will change the plan
A clear conversation about surgery, other treatments, or a combination of both

/ 03When surgery helps

When does liver surgery help?

Liver resection may be considered when the expected cancer or symptom benefit outweighs the operative risks and enough functioning liver can remain. Observation, ablation, systemic treatment and supportive care may also form part of an individual multidisciplinary plan.

Some growths are best watched. Some are treated with medicines, ablation, or other approaches first. Tom will be honest about the trade-offs.

/ 04The path ahead

What does the treatment journey look like?

Most people move from understanding the scans, to agreeing a plan, to liver resection when indicated, then hospital recovery over several days with early walking and structured follow-up.

Understanding the findings

Tom reviews your scans and history with you, explains what the growth is likely to be, and answers the questions that have been sitting with you since the scan.

Agreeing a plan

You discuss surgery, observation and non-surgical treatments, including their expected benefits and risks, before deciding on a plan.

The operation

A liver resection removes the affected part using an open or keyhole approach when clinically appropriate. Planning considers tumour location and the amount and function of liver that will remain.

Hospital and recovery

Most people stay in hospital for several days. You will be walking early, and the team will guide you through each stage of getting back to yourself.

/ 05Recovery & support

What is recovery like after liver surgery?

Recovery takes longer than gallbladder surgery. Tiredness for weeks is common. The rooms stay in contact, and Tom sees you for follow-up. Risks are explained openly before you decide.

Material risks can include bleeding or transfusion, infection, bile leak, liver failure, blood clots, chest complications and death. Consultation covers individual risk, expected recovery and who to contact if symptoms change.

/ 06Common questions

Yes. The liver is one of the few organs that regenerates. After a carefully planned resection, the remaining liver usually grows back over weeks to months.

Sometimes, especially when cancer has spread from elsewhere. Tom works closely with your oncologist so the surgical and medical plans fit together.

For selected tumours, yes. Tom will explain whether a keyhole approach is safe and suitable for your particular case.

It varies with the size of the operation, but many people stay several days. You will have a clearer sense of timing once Tom has reviewed your scans and planned the surgery.