Just breaking down the word hepatocellular....hepato- liver.....cellular- cells....together, liver cells. Causes of liver trouble are numerous and aren't always associated with alcohol. Medications can cause liver damage....many medications are filtered out of the system by the liver. Viruses can also damage the liver, hepatitis A, B, C can all affect the liver. Blood testing helps your doctor monitors enzymes and your liver function, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI are other diagnostic testing your doctor can use. The specific diagnosis of cancer will require a biopsy of the area so you cells can be visualized and studied for abnormalities. You should pose the questions to your physician as it sounds like some of this has been done. Your physician should be explaining your test results to you....if you don't understand what he/she is saying, TELL HIM! You're paying him her and deserve answers about your health. Good luck.