Liver Cancer : In Depth - Deciding on T...
Print
Email
SaveHealthline's Premium Tools
Healthline Part D Plan Selector
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
 |
Your treatment choices for liver cancer depend on the size and location of the tumor. Your choices also depend on the results of lab tests and the type and stage of the cancer. Your doctor will also consider your age and general health when recommending a treatment.
|
|
Each type of treatment for liver cancer has a different goal. Here is a list of main treatments and their goals for liver cancer. They are listed in order from the most to least common. You may have more than one of these treatments.
|
|
Removing the tumor is the only way to cure liver cancer. Taking your whole tumor out will give you the best chance of survival. The part of the liver that is removed can grow back if you eat well and are in good health. However, it can be hard to remove the whole tumor, even if it has not spread beyond the liver. Surgery is not an option if the cancer has spread past the liver.
|
 |
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs attack and kill any cells that divide quickly. That means they kill cancer cells as well as some fast growing normal cells, such as those in the hair. Its goals are to shrink a tumor and keep it from spreading. How chemotherapy drugs affect normal cells depends on the amount and types of drugs used. It also depends on the person taking the drugs. Liver cancers are not very sensitive to chemotherapy.
|
 |
Chemoembolization is a treatment for cancer in the liver. The procedure can be used for cancer that began in the liver or for cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver from other areas of the body. Chemoembolization treats only cancer in the liver. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.
|
 |
Chemoembolization is a treatment for cancer in the liver. The procedure can be used for cancer that began in the liver or for cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the liver from other areas of the body. Chemoembolization treats only cancer in the liver. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.
|
|
Radiation is not very good for treating liver cancer. The dose needed to kill the tumor is toxic to the liver. Even newer techniques such as 3-D conformal radiation therapy are not very useful.
|
 |
Radiation therapy can help you in your fight against cancer. To feel better, get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well. This will give your body the extra strength it needs right now. Also, look to family and friends for support and comfort.
|
 |
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to treat your cancer. From the moment you found out you had cancer, you most likely have had questions about treatment. You are not facing cancer treatment alone. Loved ones, support groups, and counseling can help you. Keep a list of any questions you have for your radiation therapy team. Ask these questions during your visits, or call if you need to. And use the resources below for information.
|
 |
 |
Home | About | Health Experts | Careers | Site Map | Feedback | Help | Health Tools | Tell a Friend
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Healthline Networks, Inc. All rights reserved.