Confusion about bile duct biopsy, liver transplant treatment

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Hi,

We've just received my partners scan results. It's a bit confusing. He's been told that he has a small lump in his liver (near the top of the liver at the back near 3 Major blood vessels) and it can't be cut out because of the location, so the only way to remove it is 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 and it hasn't spread, so it is likely stage 1. 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 for one 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. He is convinced that because it isn't curable, he is going to die within a couple of years. I've told him just because it's not curable, doesn't mean not treatable. Is there anything else I can do to help him? 

  • Hi Netty,

    I’m so sorry to read about you & your husband, I can’t imagine how devastating it is for you.  

    Have you reached out to the AMMF charity or looked at their website?  They specialise is this cancer.

    They insist it is vital to be treated at one of the specialist hospitals as this cancer is so difficult to diagnose & complicated to treat.  You are entitled to a second opinion.  Professor Bridgewater at the UCLH is the leading specialist in the Uk & can be seen under the NHS or a private consultation.  There might be trials you could look into. 

    I apologise if you already know all the above & wish you well in finding the best treatment for your husband.