Liver cancer develops when some cells begin to grow abnormally. While it's not clear why this occurs, it is believed that cancer occurs when there has been damage to the DNA, which is the substance that stores the instructions for every chemical process in your body, including the rate of cellular growth. When damage occurs to your DNA, cells may grow out of control and eventually form a tumor.

Damage to DNA in the liver cells can be caused by Cirrhosis, or excessive use of alcohol, Hepatitis B and C, or inflammation of the bile ducts. Long-term exposure to aflatoxins found in corn products, peanut products, cottonseed, milk, Brazil nuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts can also cause cancer in the liver. Exposure to vinyl chloride, the chemical used to manufacture plastic or arsenic can also damage the DNA in liver cells. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon and digestive tract which can cause changes within the bile ducts and increase the risk of cholangiocarcinoma, a type of primary liver cancer.

Nowhere in the Midwest will you find a more experienced team of physicians and health care professionals dedicated to the treatment of liver, biliary and pancreatic cancers. The Nebraska Medical Center program draws on the expertise of an array of specialists. Each case is treated individually and with a customized treatment plan to achieve optimal outcomes for all liver cancer patients.

The Nebraska Medical Center is one of the leading regional centers for the treatment of liver cancer and is home to the only liver transplant program in the area. Patients who come to The Nebraska Medical Center have access to some of the most advanced treatment options available for the treatment of liver cancer, some of which are not offered anywhere else in the area.

There are several types of liver cancer. Read more about primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer. The Nebraska Medical Center offers several forms of treatments for patients with liver cancer. Read more

For Physician Referrals or more information on liver cancer call 1-800-922-0000