What are the treatment options for liver cancer? Six major liver cancer treatment options are recommended

Treatments for liver cancer vary. This depends on the number, size and location of the tumor in the patient's liver, kidney function, whether cirrhosis exists, whether the tumor has spread to other organs, etc. Common liver disease treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy and embolization therapy. So, what are the liver disease treatment plans?

Liver disease treatment plan, how to treat liver cancer?

1. Hepatectomy: A hepatectomy is performed to remove part of the liver or all of the liver. This type of surgery is usually done when the cancer is confined to the liver. Over time, the remaining healthy tissue will grow again and replace the missing part.

2. Liver transplantation: Liver transplantation involves replacing the entire diseased liver with a healthy liver from a suitable donor. Transplantation can only be performed if the cancer has not spread to other organs. Drugs to prevent conflicts are given after the transplantation.

Ablation: Ablation involves the use of heat or alcohol injection to destroy the tumor cells. It is performed using local anesthesia. This numbs the area to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. Ablation can help those who are not suitable for surgery or transplantation.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is an active drug treatment that destroys tumor cells. The drug is injected intravenously or through an IV. In most cases, radiation therapy can be given as an outpatient treatment in a hospital. Radiation therapy can effectively treat liver cancer, but many people experience side effects during treatment, including nausea, loss of appetite, and chills. Radiation therapy can also increase the risk of infection.

5. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy beams of radiation to kill tumor cells. It can be delivered via external beam radiation or internal radiation. With external beam radiation, the radiation is directed at the abdomen and chest. Internal radiation involves using a tube to introduce a tiny radioactive ball into the hepatic artery. The radiation then destroys the hepatic artery, which is the blood vessel that supplies blood to the liver. This reduces the amount of blood flowing to the tumor. When the hepatic artery closes, the portal vein resumes nourishing the liver.

6. Targeted drug therapy: Targeted drug therapy involves the use of drugs that are designed to hit cancer cells. They can slow the growth of tumors and help shut off the blood supply to tumors. Nexavar (Nexavar) has been approved as a targeted drug therapy for liver cancer patients. Targeted drug therapy is helpful for those who are not suitable for liver removal or liver transplantation. However, targeted drug therapy may have significant side effects.

In addition to the above treatments, liver cancer can also be treated with some surgical treatments such as occlusion and radiation occlusion. They accomplish blocking the hepatic artery. The patient's doctor will use small sponges or other particles to do this. This reduces the blood flow to the tumor. In chemical occlusion, the doctor will introduce chemotherapy into the hepatic artery before injecting the particles. The resulting blockage allows the chemotherapy to remain in the liver longer.