Choosing the Right Liver Cancer Treatment: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Getting a diagnosis of liver cancer can be scary and overwhelming. But gathering as much information as you can and asking lots of questions can help empower you so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

When I’m diagnosed with liver cancer, what should I ask my doctor?

Here are some questions to ask your doctor when you’ve been diagnosed with liver cancer:

• What are my treatment options?

• Which treatment do you recommend and why?

• What are the benefits?

• What are the side effects?

• What will happen if I don’t receive this treatment?

• Should I get a second opinion?

• What other changes should I make?

What should I ask my doctor when I’m starting treatment for liver cancer?

Next, once you’ve decided on a treatment plan, it’s important to understand what your liver cancer treatment will entail. 

Here are some good questions to ask your doctor when you’re starting treatment for liver cancer:

• What’s the treatment process?

• How often will I receive treatment?

• How long does the treatment take?

• Can I go home the same day?

• How will I know if the treatment is working?

It may be helpful for you to write down the questions you have for your doctor before you go to your appointment, because you may forget them when you’re there. If you’re feeling emotional or nervous while talking about your treatment, it can be tough to remember everything. Most providers will encourage you to call or email them back if you think of more questions at home.

“Even if to you they may seem silly or simple, there's no such thing as a silly or simple question. Write everything down so you don't forget the different things that have come up in your mind,” says Elliott Newman, MD, Surgical Oncologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

It may also be helpful to bring another person with you to your appointment when discussing your liver cancer treatment options. They may help you remember information, even take notes for you, or help ask questions.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Dr. Schwarz is board eligible Sleep Medicine and board certified Family Medicine physician. She is a member of the AASM and ABFM.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts