Liver cancer is the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the liver. Although it is common in much of the world, it is relatively rare in the United States, where most cases result from cancers that spread from other parts of the body. However, cancer originating in the liver does occur. The possibility of curing this primary form of liver cancer varies according to the extent of the disease and the health of the patient.
Assessing Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with cancer, your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including your age and overall health; your current state of liver function; the number of tumors in your liver, as well as their size and location; whether you have cirrhosis, or scarring, in your liver; and whether your cancer has spread, or metastasized, to other parts of the body. Based on these considerations, your treatment options may include surgery, ablation (tissue erosion), embolization (tumor starvation), targeted therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is the prime option for combating liver cancer. If your cancer is caught early, and you are healthy enough to withstand a surgical procedure, your chances for recovery are typically excellent. Two basic surgical methods are available. If your liver function is good and no cancer has spread, you may undergo a partial hepatectomy, a procedure in which any tumors are removed along with a small margin of healthy tissue. Surgeons may successfully remove as much as 80 percent of your liver; in the short-term your remaining liver will take over the organ's functions, and you will gradually grow new tissue to replace what has been removed.
In some circumstances, your doctor may choose to perform a liver transplant. In this procedure, your entire liver will be removed and replaced with tissue from a donor. If the donor is deceased, you will likely receive a whole liver. You may also receive a transplant from a living donor, who will supply enough tissue to provide you with adequate liver function.
Ablation
If you are not a candidate for surgery, or if you are awaiting liver transplant, your doctor may perform an ablation. In this procedure, he will use chemical injection or direct heat to eat away any tumors. Ablation can typically be performed through the skin with only local anesthetic.
Embolization
Embolization may be used if you are not a candidate for surgery or transplant. It involves using tiny sponges to block the flow of blood through the hepatic artery. Without this blood, tumors will starve from lack of oxygen and die off. Your liver itself maintains its blood supply through the hepatic portal vein.
Targeted Therapy, Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy
You may also receive targeted therapy, which uses the oral medication sorafenib (Nexavar) to reduce tumors and restrict their blood supply. Radiation therapy uses focused X-rays to destroy tumors and stray cancer cells. If your cancer spreads to other areas, you will likely receive intravenous chemotherapy, which is capable of killing cancer cells throughout the body. Consult your doctor for details of these procedures.
Tags: liver function, your cancer, your doctor, your liver, also receive, blood supply