Confusion & advice needed re liver transplants

Hi,
We've just received my partners scan results. It's a bit confusing. He's been told that he has a lump in his liver (near the top of the liver at the back near 3 Major blood vessels) but it can't be cut out because of the location, so he needs a liver transplant. But the consultant said this is unlikely as people with cancer generally aren't offered transplants. The lump hasn't grown at all in the 2 months since the previous scans and it hasn't spread. The location of the lump also means trying to get tissue from a biopsy is apparently very risky, so they can't confirm it is cancer. The consultant said if we can't get a transplant, my partner would need to have chemotherapy, but because my partners biopsy (taken originally from the bile duct) came back as pre-cancerous, oncology at the hospital won't do it.

Has anyone received a liver transplant or know anything about it? The consultant seemed less than confident that my partner would receive a transplant even though he fits the criteria so he is referring my partner anyway. Does anyone know of any surgeons who would potentially be prepared to remove a lump such as this?

My partner is only 38 and has already been through so much already, I can't lose him yet. We live in the UK.

  • I'm sorry to hear what has happened HopefulNetty. This must be an incredibly difficult time for you both. 

    I hope this information we have about who can have a transplant for liver cancer will clear up some of the confusion but if it would help to talk things through with one of our cancer nurses, you can contact them on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m and they will do all they can to answer your questions and provide you with further information and advice.

    Hopefully some of our members who have been in a similar situation on their liver cancer journeys will share their experiences and advice with you soon as well.

    In the meantime, we're sending you all our support HopefulNetty and will have our fingers crossed your partner is able to have the transplant. 

    Best wishes to you both,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator