Follow up after liver cancer treatment

What happens?

Your doctor or nurse examines you at each appointment. They ask how you are feeling, whether you have had any symptoms or side effects, and if you are worried about anything. You might also have tests at some visits.

You'll probably have a blood test for the marker AFP at every visit if you had ​hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). You may also have blood tests to check how well your liver is working (liver function tests). Other tests may include:

• CT scans

• ultrasound scans

• MRI scans 

• x-rays

You won't have all these tests at every visit. Your doctor might arrange scans if you have a new symptom or if there's something specific that needs checking. 

Find out more about these tests

How often do you have check ups?

Follow up appointments might not be the same for everyone. How often you see your specialist depends on:

• how you are feeling

• the type of treatment you have had

Your healthcare team will discuss with you how often they want to see you.

Between appointments

Coping

Many people find their check ups quite worrying. A hospital appointment can bring back any anxiety you had about your cancer. It can help to tell someone close to you how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries can mean they don’t seem so overwhelming. Many people find it helpful to have counselling after cancer treatment.

Find out about counselling

You can also find people to share experiences with by using our online forum, Cancer Chat.

Go to Cancer Chat