Liver Cancer Treatments You Must to Know

Understanding Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is the abnormal growth of liver cells that can be potentially dangerous. It is split into two types: primary liver cancer like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a growth that starts in the liver; and secondary liver cancer appears when cancer from another body part migrates to the organ. 

Risk Factors for Developing Liver Cancer

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing liver cancer, including:

• Chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis

• Chronic hepatitis B or C infection

• Heavy alcohol use

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Exposure to aflatoxins (toxic substances produced by moulds that grow on peanuts, corn, and other grains)

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

To diagnose liver cancer, your doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests to check liver function and detect tumour markers

• Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to look for tumours

• Biopsy to remove and analyse a small tissue sample.

Staging Liver Cancer

Once liver cancer has been diagnosed, your doctor will determine the stage and symptoms of liver cancer. Staging liver cancer involves determining the size and location of the tumour, as well as whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The stages of liver cancer are:

• Stage 1: The cancer is small and has not spread to other parts of the liver or body.

• Stage 2: The cancer has grown and may have spread to nearby blood vessels or organs.

• Stage 3: The cancer has grown into major blood vessels and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 4: This advanced liver cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

This will help your doctor determine the appropriate treatment options for you.

Liver Cancer Treatment

The treatment options for liver cancer depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Treatments may include:

• Surgery: A common form of treatment for early-stage liver cancer, and can involve either a partial or complete removal of the affected lobe of the liver.

• Ablation: Involves using heat or cold to destroy the cancerous cells while preserving the healthy liver tissue.

• Embolisation therapy: Involves the injection of a drug-carrying material into the tumour to block its blood supply and prevent it from growing further.

• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to damage tumour cells and stop them from spreading.

• Targeted drug therapy: Uses medications to specifically target certain genes or proteins in order to disrupt cancer cell growth and spread.

• Immunotherapy: Uses an individual’s own immune system to fight off cancer cells by stimulating an immune response within the body that targets specific types of tumours.

• Chemotherapy: Involves taking drugs orally or through injection directly into the bloodstream that destroys rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells.

In some cases, a liver transplant may be recommended to treat advanced liver cancer.

It is important to discuss any and all treatment options with your doctor before making any decisions, as each individual case is unique.

Screening for Liver Cancer

Screening for liver cancer is recommended for people who are at high risk of developing the disease, such as those with chronic liver disease or a history of liver cancer in the family. Screening tests may include ultrasound or blood tests.

Living with Liver Cancer

If you have been diagnosed with liver cancer, it is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and to seek support from family and friends. With early detection and treatment, it is possible to successfully treat liver cancer and improve your chances of recovery. Additionally, there are lifestyle changes like having a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.