Stages of liver cancer

The stage of a cancer tells you its size and whether it has spread. It helps your doctor decide which treatment you need. 

The tests and scans you have to diagnose your cancer give some information about the stage. There are different staging systems that doctors can use to stage cancer that started in the liver (primary liver cancer). 

About staging of liver cancer

There are different staging systems for liver cancer, such as the TNM system and the BCLC system.

BCLC staging system and the Child-Pugh system

BCLC staging system and the Child-Pugh system are staging systems for liver cancer. They help your doctor to plan the best treatment for you.

TNM staging

The TNM staging system is based on T (tumour), N (node) and M (metastasis). This system helps your doctors plan the best treatment for you.

Stage 1

Find out what stage 1 liver cancer means and about treatment options. 

Stage 2

Find out what stage 2 liver cancer means and about treatment options.

Stage 3

Find out what stage 3 liver cancer means and about treatment options.

Stage 4

Find out what stage 4 liver cancer means and about treatment options.

Last reviewed: 
13 Oct 2021
Next review due: 
14 Oct 2024