Hi and thank you for your post,

I am sorry to learn of your mum's situation this must be a difficult time. Unfortunately, as a nurse-led service and not being involved with your mum's care, we are unable to give a medical opinion.

You are right it is confusing that the scans are inconclusive yet the doctors are sure that your mum has liver cancer. I don't know if it is possible with your mum's permission if you can speak with her team at the hospital or if there is a nurse specialist (CNS) that you can contact to talk things through to help clarify her situation.

I was unsure of your mum's situation whether it is thought the cancer had started in the liver (primary site) or whether it has started elsewhere in the body and spread to the liver (secondary cancer).

If it is a primary liver cancer that your mum has, then it can be possible to diagnose it with scans, however, sometimes a biopsy (a sample of cells removed) is needed so the cancer cells can be looked at closely and a definite diagnosis can be given. I don't know if the doctors are recommending further tests such as a biopsy. We have more information about primary liver cancer and how it is diagnosed and treated here.

I am sorry I cannot be more helpful on this occasion but I do hope you can get more information soon. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care, all the best

Jemma