I just find out I have liver cancer, pls help!!!!

[jim2204]

I'm 53 yrs old, asian male. Just found out I have a 3 cm lesion in the anterior peripheral aspect of the interior right anterior hepatic lobe of my liver. After reviewing the CT scan, the USC tumor board has concluded most likely it is hepatocellular carcinoma. I am scheduled to see a surgeon soon for resection surgery. I am feeling fine and there is no outward symptom except that I feel totally stressed out and can't sleep. The brief facts about my case is as follow:
- CT scan shows only 1 single mass in liver, all other adomenal organs are ok.
- CT also show mild and early cirrhosis, I am a chronic Hepetitis (hepatitis) B carrier for 20 years
- Colonoscopy shows 2 polyps and were removed during procedure.
- Blood test shows ATF level is at 5.0 which is normal, Bilirubin is at 1.4 which is slighty high (normal is 0.2 - 1.2mg/dl)
- CEA (cancer marker) is normal at 2.1
- my doctor do not recommend biopsy at this time until I see my surgeon. Sounds like the surgeon may want to do more tests on me.
my questions are as follow:
- Can I qualified for resection surgery since I have mild and early cirrhosis and my Bilirubin level is slightly high?
- What is the chance of liver failure from surgery, I heard is at high as 10%?
- What is the 5 year survival rate for me? I heard that resection success rate is only slightly higher than non treatment. one research I read is that non-treatment  5 yrs survival is around 20% and with resection is only 30%  to 60%, if this is the case, Is resection worthwhile?
- what is the chance for recurring or surgery would worsen my cirrhosis or Hepetitis (hepatitis) B condition?
- what long is the recovery period after surgery, both in hospital stay and after hospital stay?
- Is there any other treatment method available for me? I read tranplant is the best method and chemo, radiation and other method is really no use.
- I want a second opionion, can some one recommend me another liver specialist

I am really scarred, Please help. thank you

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

a liver expert with expertise in this area is dr francis yao at UCSF or dr myron tong in LA.  Resection is possible especially if there is not appreciable portal hypertension (platelet count about 100, 000).  long-term survival is excellent with transplant to fall back if need be.  patients with HBV do exceedingly after liver transplantation if it is needed. it sounds like the plan of action is reasonable.  if your HBV is well controlled or (-) prior to treatment it should be enough prior to treatment of the tumor.