Stages of liver cancer

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

The BCLC strategy is a staging system for liver cancer. The Child-Pugh score assesses how well your liver is working. They help your doctor to plan the best treatment for you.

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 liver cancer means there is a single tumour in the liver, and it has not grown into the blood vessels.

Stage 2 liver cancer means the cancer might have grown into blood vessels of the liver, or there might be 2 or more tumours.

Stage 3 liver cancer means there might be 2 or more tumours, or the cancer might have grown into nearby blood vessels of organs.

Stage 4 liver cancer has spread into lymph nodes, or it has spread to distant body parts.