Questions for your doctor about HCC treatment

• What stage is my HCC (liver cancer)? Can you explain what that means?
• What type of treatment can I have for my stage of HCC?
• Is there any choice of suitable treatment?
• What is the aim of my treatment? To try and cure the cancer or control it?
• Are there any new treatments for HCC liver cancer?
• Are there any clinical trials open to me?

About surgery

• Can I have surgery?
• What type of operation do you recommend? Why?
• Would a liver transplant help me?
• How long do people have to wait for a donor liver?
• How long will I be in hospital if I have surgery? How long should it take me to get over it?
• What are the long term effects of the surgery?
• Should I have chemotherapy after surgery?

About other types of treatment

• What types of treatment are there, apart from surgery?
• What are the side effects of the treatment you recommend?
• Who will be available to help me cope with any side effects?
• How long is each cycle of targeted therapy?
• How many TACE / PEI / RFA treatments will I need?
• How long will I be having treatment for overall?
• Where will I have the treatment?
• Will I be an out patient or will I have to stay in hospital at all?

After treatment

• How often will you see me once my treatment is finished?
• What should I be looking out for?
• What do I do if I’m concerned about a new symptom?
• Should I have any regular tests? If so, what are they and how often should I have them?
• I have a stent – how do I know it’s working properly?
• Who can help me manage any long term cancer symptoms or treatment side effects?