Hepatobiliary Cancers

Hepatobiliary cancers are becoming more common, with liver cancer seeing a threefold increase in the last 40 years. At Cancer Care Institute, located in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, well-known oncologist and hematologist Youram Nassir, MD, offers the highest standard of expert patient-centered cancer care. Whether you have liver, bile duct, or gallbladder cancer, rest assured some treatments can help. Dr. Nassir can provide access to all types of targeted treatments and ensure your treatment goes smoothly, so call the office or book your appointment online today.

What are hepatobiliary cancers?

Hepatobiliary cancers refer to malignancies that arise within the hepatobiliary system, encompassing one or more of the following anatomical regions:

Liver

The liver is a substantial organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, playing a pivotal role in detoxifying the bloodstream, storing essential nutrients, and synthesizing bile to aid digestion. Primary liver cancer, most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma, originates within the liver cells. Secondary liver cancers, or metastatic liver cancers, begin in other organs and subsequently spread to the liver.

Bile Ducts

The bile ducts are responsible for transporting bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, facilitating digestion. Bile duct cancers, or cholangiocarcinomas, typically arise from the glandular epithelial cells lining these ducts. They are classified based on their location: intrahepatic bile duct cancer occurs within the ducts inside the liver, while extrahepatic bile duct cancer arises in the ducts outside the liver.

Gallbladder

The gallbladder, positioned beneath the liver, serves as a reservoir for bile until it is needed for digestion. Most gallbladder cancers originate in the epithelial cells lining the organ. These malignancies can extend to nearby structures, such as the liver and regional lymph nodes.

It is also possible for cancer to concurrently affect two or more parts of the hepatobiliary system.

What are the symptoms of hepatobiliary cancers?

In the initial stages, hepatobiliary cancers, including liver, bile duct, and gallbladder cancers, often remain asymptomatic. However, as the malignancy advances, patients may experience symptoms such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Unintended weight loss
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal bloating
• A palpable lump or swelling in the abdomen
• Pale or whitish stools

The presence of these symptoms, especially in combination, warrants immediate medical evaluation.

How are hepatobiliary cancers treated?

At Cancer Care Institute, the treatment of hepatobiliary cancers is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Dr. Nassir brings an extensive background in oncology, coupled with specialized expertise in diagnosing the specific cancer type and understanding the tumor's cellular makeup.

Employing a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Nassir integrates the most advanced targeted therapies with conventional treatments to create a personalized care plan. Therapeutic options may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical intervention, targeted molecular therapies, and immunotherapy.

In collaboration with Cedars-Sinai Hospital, Cancer Care Institute offers a holistic spectrum of cancer care, ensuring that each patient benefits from the latest innovations in treatment alongside comprehensive support for lifestyle and well-being.

To schedule a consultation, please call Cancer Care Institute or request one online today.