Liver Cancer Treatment

Liver cancer

Primary liver cancer begins in cells of the liver itself. Although many cancers are declining in the U.S., new cases of primary liver cancer are increasing.

Cancers that commonly spread to the liver include colon, lung and breast cancers. These cancers are not called liver cancer. Instead, they are named after the organ where the cancer started - such as metastatic colon cancer to describe cancer that begins in the colon and spreads to the liver. These metastatic cancers are treated based on where the cancer began, rather than being treated as primary liver cancer.

Symptoms of liver cancer

When symptoms appear, they may include some or all of the following: -

• Loss of appetite and weight
• Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right abdomen, which may extend into your back and shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• The general weakness and fatigue
• Liver enlargement
• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• A yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Causes of liver cancer

Your liver is an organ of football size located in the upper right abdomen, under your diaphragm and above your stomach. Your liver processes most of the nutrients absorbed from your small intestine, which determines the amount of sugar (glucose), proteins and lipids enter your bloodstream. It also manufactures blood-clotting substances and certain proteins. Your liver plays a vital role in detoxifying suppressing drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances from the bloodstream ...

Testing and diagnosis of liver cancer

Screening: -

Screening for liver cancer has not been definitively proven to reduce the risk of dying from liver cancer. For this reason, many medical groups do not recommend screening for liver cancer.

However, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommend screening for liver cancer for those who may have a high risk ...

Diagnosis: -

If you experience any symptoms of liver cancer, your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam.

Tests and procedures used to diagnose liver cancer include: -

Ultrasound (ultrasonography): - This test uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs including the liver. Ultrasound is painless and usually takes less than 30 minutes ...

Computed tomography (CT scan): - This test uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of your body. You can also have a variation of the test - known as a CT angiogram - which contrast material is injected into an artery in your liver.

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - MRI creates images using a magnetic field and radio waves. Sometimes a contrast material may also be used.

Liver biopsy: - In this procedure, a sample of tissue is taken from your liver and examined under a microscope. Liver biopsy is considered the only definitive way to diagnose liver cancer.

Blood tests: - Doctors sometimes use a blood test that checks for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - A type of protein found in small amounts in adults - to detect liver cancer.

The treatment of liver cancer

Treatments for primary liver cancer depends on the extent (stage) of disease as well as your age, overall health, feelings and personal preferences. Discuss all your options carefully with your treatment team.

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