Liver cancer patient consultation and treatment planning at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas in Pasadena, TX

Liver Cancer Diagnosis & Minimally Invasive Treatment in Pasadena, TX

At Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, our interventional radiology team specializes in the minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver disease. Using advanced image-guided techniques such as tumor ablation, chemoembolization, and radioembolization, we provide individualized, multidisciplinary care focused on improving outcomes and quality of life. Call (832) 583-2246 to schedule your consultation in Pasadena, TX .

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What Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer refers to malignant tumors that originate in the liver. The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops from the main liver cells (hepatocytes) and accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers worldwide. A second important category is intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which arises from the bile duct cells within the liver. In addition to these primary liver cancers, the liver is one of the most common sites of metastatic disease — meaning cancers originating in other organs, such as the colon, lung, or breast, frequently spread to the liver.

Liver cancer is a serious and often complex disease, but advances in interventional oncology have dramatically expanded the treatment options available — particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery. At Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, our interventional radiologists play a central role in delivering targeted, minimally invasive liver cancer treatments that preserve as much healthy liver tissue as possible. Contact us at (832) 583-2246 to learn more about your options in Pasadena, TX .

What Are the Risk Factors and Causes of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer most commonly develops in the setting of chronic liver disease or injury. The most well-established risk factors include:

  • Chronic hepatitis B or C infection: Long-standing viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide, causing progressive liver inflammation and scarring that increases cancer risk significantly.
  • Cirrhosis: Regardless of the underlying cause — whether from hepatitis, alcohol use, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — cirrhosis (advanced liver scarring) dramatically increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH: The increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome has made NAFLD and its inflammatory form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a growing cause of liver cancer in the United States.
  • Heavy alcohol use: Chronic, excessive alcohol consumption causes liver damage and cirrhosis, which elevates HCC risk.
  • Aflatoxin exposure: A toxin produced by certain molds found in improperly stored grains and legumes, aflatoxin is a significant liver carcinogen in some parts of the world.
  • Diabetes and metabolic syndrome: These conditions are associated with fatty liver disease and independently increase liver cancer risk.
  • Family history: A family history of liver cancer or certain inherited liver conditions may increase individual risk.

Patients with known risk factors should undergo regular liver cancer screening — typically with ultrasound every six months — to detect tumors at the earliest and most treatable stage. Call Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 to discuss a screening or diagnostic plan in Pasadena, TX .

What Are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?

One of the major challenges of liver cancer is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages — particularly when it arises in patients who already have chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, as the symptoms may be attributed to the underlying condition. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort: A dull ache or pressure in the upper right abdomen, where the liver is located.
  • Abdominal swelling: Enlargement of the abdomen due to liver enlargement or fluid accumulation (ascites).
  • Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by buildup of bilirubin when the liver’s bile processing function is impaired.
  • Unexplained weight loss: Significant, unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite are common in liver cancer.
  • Fatigue: Persistent, unexplained tiredness and general weakness.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Particularly when associated with other symptoms listed above.
  • Pale stools or dark urine: Related to bile duct obstruction or impaired liver function.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms — especially in the context of known liver disease or risk factors — contact Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 promptly for evaluation in Pasadena, TX .

How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis and staging are essential to developing an effective liver cancer treatment plan. At Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, we offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluation including:

  • Liver Ultrasound: The first-line imaging study used for surveillance in at-risk patients. Ultrasound can detect liver masses and is widely used as a screening tool for hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of the liver and surrounding structures. A multiphasic CT scan with contrast is the standard approach for characterizing liver tumors and assessing vascular involvement.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers superior soft tissue contrast and is particularly valuable for characterizing small or indeterminate liver lesions, and for evaluating bile duct anatomy.
  • Image-Guided Liver Biopsy: When imaging alone is insufficient to confirm the diagnosis, our interventional radiologists perform percutaneous needle biopsy of the liver lesion under ultrasound or CT guidance to obtain tissue for pathologic analysis.
  • Blood tests: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor marker that is elevated in many cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and is used alongside imaging for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response.

How Is Liver Cancer Treated at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas?

Treatment for liver cancer depends on the size, number, and location of tumors, the degree of underlying liver dysfunction, and the patient’s overall health and goals. At Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, our interventional radiology team offers the following minimally invasive, image-guided liver cancer treatments:

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation (MWA): For small liver tumors, thermal ablation delivers targeted heat energy through a needle inserted through the skin under imaging guidance, destroying cancer cells in place without surgery. Ablation is most effective for tumors up to 3–5cm and offers excellent local tumor control with minimal recovery time and preservation of surrounding healthy liver tissue.
  • Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): A catheter-based procedure in which chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the hepatic artery feeding the tumor, followed by injection of embolic particles to cut off the tumor’s blood supply. TACE concentrates high doses of chemotherapy within the tumor while limiting systemic exposure, and is used for intermediate-stage HCC or tumors not amenable to ablation.
  • Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE / Y-90): A catheter-delivered treatment in which millions of tiny radioactive microspheres (loaded with Yttrium-90, a beta-emitting isotope) are injected directly into the hepatic artery supplying the tumor. The microspheres lodge within the tumor’s blood vessels and deliver a highly targeted dose of internal radiation, treating the cancer from within.
  • Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI): Injection of pure ethanol directly into a liver tumor under imaging guidance to destroy cancer cells; used in select cases where thermal ablation is not feasible.
  • Portal Vein Embolization (PVE): A procedure performed prior to liver surgery to induce growth of the planned remnant liver, improving surgical safety in patients with insufficient liver volume.
  • Image-Guided Biopsy: Percutaneous liver biopsy for definitive tissue diagnosis to guide treatment selection.

Our interventional radiology team collaborates closely with hepatologists, oncologists, transplant surgeons, and radiation oncologists to ensure each patient receives a fully integrated, multidisciplinary treatment plan. We also provide interventional oncology services for kidney cancer and other malignancies. Contact Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 to discuss your liver cancer treatment options in Pasadena, TX .

Why Choose Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas for Liver Cancer Care?

Patients throughout Pasadena, TX choose Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas for liver cancer care because of our expertise in interventional oncology, our commitment to minimally invasive treatment, and our patient-centered approach to complex cancer care. Our team offers:

  • Board-certified interventional radiologists with specialized training in liver cancer treatment
  • The full spectrum of image-guided liver cancer therapies — ablation, TACE, TARE, and biopsy — under one roof
  • Multidisciplinary coordination with hepatology, oncology, and surgery teams
  • Personalized treatment plans based on tumor characteristics, liver function, and patient goals
  • Minimally invasive procedures that preserve liver tissue and reduce recovery time compared to open surgery
  • Compassionate, coordinated care from diagnosis through follow-up in Pasadena, TX

Call Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas today at (832) 583-2246 or request an appointment online to begin your evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Cancer

What is the difference between primary liver cancer and metastatic liver cancer?

Primary liver cancer — most commonly hepatocellular carcinoma — originates in the liver cells themselves. Metastatic liver cancer, by contrast, starts in another organ (such as the colon, lung, or breast) and spreads to the liver through the bloodstream. Both types can be treated with interventional radiology techniques at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, including ablation and chemoembolization, though the specific treatment approach depends on the origin, extent, and biology of the cancer. Call (832) 583-2246 to discuss your diagnosis with our team in Pasadena, TX .

Can liver cancer be treated without surgery?

Yes — many patients with liver cancer are not candidates for surgical resection due to the tumor’s location, the extent of underlying liver disease, or other health factors. Interventional radiology offers highly effective non-surgical alternatives, including tumor ablation (RFA or microwave), TACE, and TARE (Y-90 radioembolization). These minimally invasive treatments can achieve meaningful tumor control and, in select cases, serve as a bridge to liver transplantation. Our team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will evaluate your specific situation to determine the best approach.

What is TACE and how is it different from systemic chemotherapy?

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a catheter-based procedure that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly into the hepatic artery feeding the liver tumor, followed by injection of embolic particles to block blood flow to the cancer. This concentrates a high dose of chemotherapy within the tumor while dramatically reducing the amount that circulates throughout the rest of the body — resulting in fewer systemic side effects than intravenous chemotherapy. TACE is one of the most widely used treatments for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma and is performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas.

What is Y-90 radioembolization and who is it appropriate for?

Y-90 radioembolization (also called TARE) is a catheter-delivered treatment in which microscopic radioactive beads loaded with Yttrium-90 are injected into the hepatic artery supplying the liver tumor. The beads travel to and lodge within the tumor’s blood vessels, delivering a concentrated internal dose of radiation directly to the cancer over a period of days. Y-90 is appropriate for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases who are not surgical candidates and may be used as a primary treatment, a bridge to transplantation, or in combination with other therapies. Our interventional radiology team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will evaluate your eligibility during your consultation.

How do I know if my liver tumor is a candidate for ablation?

Image-guided tumor ablation is most effective for liver tumors that are relatively small (typically up to 3–5cm), limited in number, and located away from major blood vessels or bile ducts that could be damaged during the procedure. Our team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will review your CT or MRI imaging in detail to assess whether ablation is technically feasible and clinically appropriate for your tumor. In some cases, a combination of ablation and embolization may be used to optimize results. Call (832) 583-2246 to schedule your imaging review and consultation in Pasadena, TX .

What is the role of interventional radiology in liver cancer staging and planning?

Beyond treatment, interventional radiology plays an important diagnostic role in liver cancer care. Our team performs image-guided liver biopsy to confirm diagnosis and determine tumor grade and molecular characteristics that guide systemic therapy selection. We also perform diagnostic angiography to map the blood supply to liver tumors before embolization procedures, and portal vein embolization to stimulate growth of the future liver remnant prior to major hepatic surgery. This positions Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas as a comprehensive partner throughout the liver cancer care continuum.

What follow-up is needed after liver cancer treatment at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas?

Following interventional liver cancer treatment, regular follow-up imaging — typically a multiphasic CT or MRI of the liver — is performed at one to three months after the procedure to assess treatment response and detect any residual or new tumor activity. AFP blood levels are also monitored in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Our team coordinates follow-up closely with your hepatologist and oncology team to ensure any sign of recurrence is identified early and addressed promptly. Call Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 with any questions about your follow-up schedule in Pasadena, TX .