liver cancer A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the liver.

liver A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.

liver function test A blood test to measure the blood levels of certain substances released by the liver. A high or low level of certain substances can be a sign of liver disease.

liver metastases Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the liver.

liver scan An image of the liver created on a computer screen or on film. A radioactive substance is injected into a blood vessel and travels through the bloodstream. It collects in the liver, especially in abnormal areas, and can be detected by the scanner.

stage I adult primary liver cancer There is one tumor and it has not spread to nearby blood vessels.

stage II adult primary liver cancer There is either (1) one tumor that has spread to nearby blood vessels; or (2) there is more than one tumor, none of which is larger than 5 centimeters.

stage IIIA adult primary liver cancer Stage III adult primary liver cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIA there is either (1) more than one tumor larger than 5 centimeters; or (2) one tumor that has spread to a major branch of blood vessels near the liver.

stage IIIB adult primary liver cancer Stage III adult primary liver cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIB, there are one or more tumors of any size that have either (1) spread to nearby organs other than the gallbladder; or (2) broken through the lining of the peritoneal cavity.

stage IIIC adult primary liver cancer Stage III adult primary liver cancer is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIC, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

stage IV adult primary liver cancer Cancer has spread beyond the liver to other places in the body, such as the bones or lungs. The tumors may be of any size and may also have spread to nearby blood vessels and/or lymph nodes.

stage I childhood liver cancer All of the cancer was removed by surgery.

stage II childhood liver cancer All of the cancer was removed by surgery, except for a small amount of cancer that can be seen only with a microscope, or tumor cells that may have spilled into the abdomen during surgery.

stage III childhood liver cancer Either (1) the tumor cannot be removed by surgery; or (2) cancer that can be seen without a microscope remains after surgery; or (3) the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

stage IV childhood liver cancer The cancer has spread to other parts of the body.