Careful follow-up is important after the removal of localized liver cancer because patients are at risk for a second occurrence as well as tumor metastases. Such follow-up should include:
• Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) every two to three months. A rising AFP suggests tumor recurrence , which
might still be curable with further surgery.
• CT scans should be done every two to three months for the first year after surgery. Tumors are most likely to
grow again within the first year and they may still be curable if caught in the early stages.
• The liver function of patients with underlying cirrhosis or hepatitis has to be closely monitored, since it may
