Understanding Liver Cancer Treatment

The treatment of liver cancer should be to eliminate the cancer or contain it without impairing the liver’s functionality. The treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma can be surgery, medicines and advanced therapy depending on the stage of the cancer and the overall condition of the patient.

Modern liver cancer treatment options are many. It includes surgery, HCC treatment with medication, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and local tumour therapy. Doctors select treatment based on tumour size, spread, and liver function.

At Leaders in Liver Health, patients receive individualised cancer treatment through the safest, most advanced practices. We aim to prolong life and make it more comfortable at every stage. Let us understand how is liver cancer treated through this blog.

Liver Cancer (HCC): What You Need to Know.

The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. Let us first understand what is HCC? HCC starts in liver cells and is usually caused by long-term liver disease.

  • Primary liver cancer originates in the liver. 
  • A different organ spreads secondary liver cancer. Both types are treated differently.

 

Primary vs. Secondary Liver Cancer Differences.

Liver cancer is of different types, and each type attacks various liver cells. Knowledge of this type assists doctors in making the right treatment choice.

Primary liver cancer starts in the liver itself, normally as a result of damaged liver cells. Secondary liver cancer or metastatic liver cancer is cancer that has metastasised to the liver from another organ, like the colon, breast, lung or pancreas. Due to different causes of cancer, there is variation in treatment methods.

Key Differences in Points:

  •  Origin: The primary liver cancer begins in the liver. Secondary liver cancer starts in other areas and develops in the liver.
  •  Common Causes: Cirrhosis, hepatitis or fatty liver disease are usually associated with primary cancer. The secondary cancer is dependent on the site of the original tumour.
  •  Treatment Focus: The treatment of primary liver cancer is based on the treatment of the liver tumour. The treatment of secondary liver cancer is the treatment of the initial cancer and the liver involvement.
  • Surgical treatment: Surgery is more widespread in early primary liver cancer. In secondary cancer, surgery is based on the extent of disease and the overall control of the disease.

 

Types of Liver Cancer

The following are the types of liver cancer:

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

The most frequent one. It starts in hepatocytes, and it is commonly associated with cirrhosis or hepatitis infections.

Cholestatic bile duct cancer

Begins in the bile ducts of the liver. It can lead to early jaundice as a result of the obstruction of bile.

Angiosarcoma

This is a rare type of cancer that starts in the blood vessels of the liver. It develops fast and is usually diagnosed late.


Hepatoblastoma

Childhood liver cancer. It is usually found in infants and young children. It begins in the liver. The secondary liver cancer has spread. Both types are treated differently.

Factors Affecting Treatment Plan

The guiding factors in the decisions of treatment include:

  • Tumour size and count: The bigger tumours or more than two tumours are more difficult to treat, and they can restrict the surgical interventions. Smaller, fewer tumours offer greater opportunities for surgery or local treatments. Early diagnosis is significant in this regard.

 

  • Liver functioning score: This score demonstrates the functioning of the liver. A healthy liver can withstand more intensive treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy. Weak liver function limits treatment options and increases risks.

 

  • Cancer stage: Earlier cancer stages are not hard to treat and can be cured either through surgery or ablation. The cancer that is at an advanced stage normally demands medicines and supportive care. Stage is a great influence on survival and treatment goals.

 

  • Age and health of the patient: Younger and healthier patients tend to cope with treatment. Recovery can be influenced by other illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or infection. Body fitness helps determine safe therapies.

 

The treatment of liver cancer is based on the size of the tumours, spread of the tumour, and the scores of liver functionalities.

Liver Cancer Chemotherapy (Chemo for HCC)

Liver cancer chemotherapy is primarily applied in the case of advanced stages. It assists in preventing the cancer growth and the symptoms management. It is not necessarily applied in hepatic neoplasm at an early stage.

There are two main types:

  • Systemic chemotherapy is done via the blood stream.
  • Targeted chemo attacks cancer cells.

 

The question that many people ask is can chemo cure liver cancer. Liver cancer is not normally cured by chemotherapy. It is used to manage the disease and enhance comfort.

Common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and low immunity. Doctors keep an eye on the patient to adjust the dosage and alleviate pain.

How chemo supports advanced liver cancer cases? Chemo contributes to a slower tumour growth and better survival in the advanced cases.

Targeted Therapy for Liver Cancer (HCC)

Targeted therapy for HCC effectively prevents cancer growth signals. These drugs have direct action on cancer pathways. Surgery is not advisable, and in this case, doctors recommend targeted therapy. It is commonly applied in the treatment of high-grade liver cancer.

These treatments have fewer side effects than chemotherapy and slow tumour growth. They also help maintain healthy liver cells.  Many patients use targeted therapy as an advanced liver cancer treatment.

Tyrosine kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) are targeted medicines that prevent signals that promote the growth and development of new blood vessels in cancer cells. These drugs slow tumour growth and are typically used when surgery is inadvisable. Side effects to be monitored include fatigue, high blood pressure, and skin changes, which are closely monitored in patients taking TKIs.

Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer

Immunotherapy for Liver cancer helps boost the body’s immune system. It is an advanced treatment option that helps the immune cells to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Immunotherapy assists the immune system to identify and destroy cancerous cells.

It is commonly applied to higher HCC. Numerous patients exhibit a better tumour control and quality of life.

Some patients may experience immune-related side effects. When necessary, physicians track the progress and change medication.

Surgical Treatments for Liver Cancer (Early Stage)

Liver cancer at an early stage can be cured through surgery. However, the patients should possess small tumours and a healthy liver.

  • Liver Resection

In the liver resection, the surgeons excise the portion of the liver that has the tumour. In most patients, the remaining liver can grow. The healing process normally requires several weeks.

  • Liver Transplant for HCC

Liver transplant for HCC is treated by a liver transplant, which replaces the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver. It is applied in the case of the presence of cancer and cirrhosis.

There are stringent requirements that determine transplant eligibility. Rest is slow and provides survival in the long term.

Localised Treatments for Liver Tumours

Local treatments involve the doctors directly destroying small liver tumours. Localised treatment for liver tumours could be:

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):

Radiofrequency Ablation uses heat to ablate small liver tumours.

Microwave Ablation:

This ablation therapy uses high-energy waves to destroy cancer cells.

Embolisation:

Embolisation stops tumour growth by blocking the blood supply.

TACE:

Transarterial Chemoembolization or TACE delivers chemotherapy directly into the liver tumour via its blood supply.

Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT):

Radiation is delivered to tumours in the liver.

Palliative & Supportive Care

Palliative care is concerned with comfort and dignity at the end stages. It decreases pain, swelling, nausea and weakness.

These treatments help manage cancer without major surgery.

Why Choose Leaders in Liver Health for Liver Cancer Treatment

Leaders in Liver Health is a reputable liver cancer treatment centre that offers comprehensive cancer care.

Our strengths include:

  •  Liver specialists: They specialize in liver diseases and care of liver cancer. They bring a wealth of experience in diagnosing complex liver diseases. The fact that they receive specialised training helps ensure that diagnoses are accurate and treatment plans are personalised.
  •  Multidisciplinary cancer team: Our hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons collaborate. This team-based strategy will ensure that each case is assessed from multiple medical perspectives. It results in less risky decisions and improved treatment outcomes.
  •  Cutting edge imaging and diagnostics: This enables liver tumours to be detected early and accurately. Good scans are useful in determining the extent, location, and dissemination of tumours. This enhances the planning and monitoring of treatment.
  •  24/7 liver care services: Should there be any emergency or ongoing patient care, a dedicated team is always available to address urgent matters, provide hospital care, and provide directions. This guarantees medical attention at all levels.

 

Treatment planning that is safety-oriented and prioritises liver functioning, patient comfort and long-term health. Each treatment plan is aimed at reducing risks and preventing unneeded complications. Patient safety is always a priority.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, treatment of liver cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and local tumour therapy. The choice of treatment is based on the stage of cancer and the condition of liver.

Liver cancer is not easily cured using chemotherapy. It assists in the slowing of tumour growth as well as alleviation of symptoms in advanced cases.

The treatment is determined by the size of the tumour, its spread, liver function, the patient’s health, local therapies, and transplant as options.

In early stages of the disease, surgery and liver resection give the most optimal results. Ablution or transplant can also be of use to some patients.

Yes, liver transplant provides long term survival in patients who are selected. It is used to treat cancer and liver failure.

Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care are used to treat advanced cancer.

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