Liver Tumor Senior Dog unsure of what to do

Hello,

I am going crazy trying to make the right decision for my 11 year old black lab/mutt. About 2 months ago, I brought her in for a check up and discussed with her vet about removing some of her fatty lumps that were getting fairly large. She did blood tests to make sure she was good to go under and that’s when the flood gates opened.

Her blood test identified elevated enzymes, we went from there to CT imaging and they discovered a massive tumor in her liver, about the size of a small potato, so it’s very large. The specialists at this veterinary office have told me it is most likely HCC and it looks contained to one lobe, however it is most likely encroaching over into the left and right side of that lobe (the mass is on the left side of the liver). The surgeon said she is unsure if she can get clean margins unless she operates.

The did do a fine needle aspirate and all 3 samples came back benign. However, I was told that test is not the most accurate.

My dilemma is that I don’t know if it is worth putting her through surgery at her age. She is healthy aside from this tumor, and she doesn’t show any signs of being unwell. She eats great (think lab appetite, she’s got it), she loves her walks, she has a feisty attitude as usual, can be playful when she feels like it. I wouldn’t have thought anything was going on if she didn’t get that blood test. It’s hard to imagine she could have a serious cancer because of how normal she is acting.

I guess I would like some advice on what is realistically going to happen if I do the surgery or if I don’t. I am afraid that doing it is going to open up more problems and she’s too old to be put through it if they can’t remove it all anyways. Would it be worth it even if they can’t get it all and it is malignant? Is it at all possible it’s benign and then would having some of it removed at least reduce the risk of rupture? I worry if I don’t do the surgery, she will suddenly be in pain and die shortly after. Or maybe it’s benign and won’t rupture and she’ll live the rest of her life happy and pass from old age.

I am so sorry for the long post. I’m at a crossroad and I feel like no matter which way I go, it will be the wrong decision.

Just an additional note: they found small nodules on her lungs, but they believe they could be benign and age related but can’t confirm. They are too small to test.

They found a couple other things such as swollen lymph nodes in her abdominal area but again, believe it is reactive from the tumor. Sorry for the incorrect terminology, trying to remember it all.

I just want to do what is best for her and right now, I am conflicted on what would be best.

Any advice, comments, or perspectives would be very much appreciated!

Thank you!