Liver cancer is a daunting illness that impacts millions of individuals worldwide.
When faced with this diagnosis, a vital question arises: Can Liver Cancer Be Cured?
We will help you understand liver cancer treatment and the advancements made in the search for a potential remedy. Our objective is to shed light on the prospects that await patients grappling with liver cancer.
The MedicoExperts Tumor Board is dedicated to thoroughly examining available treatments and discussing effective approaches to address this deadly disease, particularly when detected early. We aim to enhance your understanding of how liver cancer can be treated and potentially cured.
So, let’s take a deep dive!
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer, scientifically referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a formidable form of cancer that originates in the liver cells. This condition poses a significant global health concern as it contributes to a substantial number of cancer-related fatalities worldwide.
There are various treatments available for individuals who have been diagnosed with the condition; however, the efficacy of these treatments largely depends on how far advanced the cancer has become.
Keep reading to learn more about if liver cancer is a common disease.
Is liver cancer a common disease? Yes or no?
Liver cancer cases are on the rise, although still relatively uncommon. It is estimated that approximately 1% of both men and women in the United States will develop liver cancer at some point in their lives.
Understanding the Different Types of Liver Cancer
When it comes to liver cancer, there are two main types: primary and secondary.
Primary cancer originates in the liver, while secondary cancer spreads from other parts of the body. In this article, we will focus on primary liver cancer.
Primary liver cancer can come in three different forms:
1. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC):
This is the most prevalent form of liver cancer, accounting for the majority of cases.
2. Intrahepatic cancer (IHC):
A type of cholangiocarcinoma, IHC specifically affects the bile ducts within the liver. It represents about 10% to 20% of primary liver cancer cases.
3. Angiosarcoma:
This rare type of liver cancer occurs in approximately 1-2% of all cases and originates in the lining of blood cells in the liver. It may also affect other organs.
Collectively, HCC and IHC make up about 2% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases and account for 5% of all cancer-related deaths.
Early detection plays a crucial role in effectively treating liver cancer, just like with many other forms of the disease. The unique aspect of liver cancer is that healthcare providers have a good understanding of the factors that increase the risk of developing it. This knowledge allows them to identify individuals who may be at a higher risk and catch and treat primary liver cancer at its earliest stages.
Related: Learn more about the different stages of Liver cancer.
Learn more about Liver Cancer Symptoms here.
What Are the Available Treatments To Cure Liver Cancer?
Based on the type and stage of the disease, patients have a variety of therapeutic options for treating liver cancer.
Surgery:
The most common treatment option is surgery, as it has the highest likelihood of curing cancer. During a surgical procedure, surgeons attempt to remove all the cancerous tissue. The success of such an operation depends on the stage and size of the tumor, as well as its location within the liver.
Although surgery is the most effective form of treatment for localized cancer, it may not be possible if a tumor has spread too widely. In such cases, healthcare providers may recommend radiation therapy or chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.
Liver Transplant Surgery: A Life-Restoring Solution for Early-Stage Liver Cancer
This remarkable procedure can transform the lives of those with early-stage liver cancer. Through liver transplant surgery, your diseased liver is expertly replaced with a healthy organ from a generous donor.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Healthcare providers may recommend it for people with advanced cancer or those who are unable to undergo surgery.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a type of drug therapy that uses chemicals to slow the growth of cancer cells. It is usually prescribed if surgery cannot remove all of the cancerous tissue or if radiation therapy has been ineffective. Chemotherapy involves drugs to circulate throughout your body via the bloodstream.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapy is a type of drug treatment that focuses on specific molecular targets that are unique to cancer cells. This approach has shown promising results in treating many types of cancer, including liver cancer.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that seeks to boost the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. It is usually used as an additional form of treatment when standard treatments fail to produce the desired results.
Related: The major tests to identify Liver cancer.
Localized Treatments for Liver Cancer: Destroy Cancer Cells without Invasive Surgery
When it comes to liver cancer, localized treatments offer a targeted approach to tackling the disease head-on. By administering treatments directly to the cancer cells or the area surrounding them, these innovative options provide a more effective and precise solution.
Here are some localized treatment options for liver cancer:
1. Radiofrequency Ablation: Utilizing electric current, this procedure heats and eliminates cancer cells. Thin needles are inserted into the tumor, guided by imaging tests like ultrasound. The electric current destroys the cancer cells, offering a promising treatment option.
2. Cryoablation: The extreme cold method is used to freeze and destroy cancer cells. A cryoprobe containing liquid nitrogen is placed directly onto liver tumors, with ultrasound images ensuring accurate cell destruction.
3. Alcohol Injection: During a procedure or through the skin, pure alcohol is injected into tumours. This causes the tumor cells to die, offering a targeted and effective treatment approach.
4. Chemoembolization: This type of chemotherapy treatment involves directly supplying strong anti-cancer drugs to the liver. By targeting the liver, chemoembolization maximizes the impact of the drugs and minimizes the potential side effects. Drugs are delivered directly to the tumor through chemoembolization.
5. Radiation-Infused Beads: Tiny spheres filled with radiation are placed directly into the liver. This allows for precise delivery of radiation directly to the tumor, offering a highly effective localized treatment option.
Conclusion
The innovative solutions discussed above to combat liver cancer can help you immensely in your healing journey. The effectiveness of localized treatments discussed can help you step towards targeted healing.
While understanding the severity of liver cancer’s impact on life expectancy is crucial, there’s promising progress in extending survival rates. Despite its challenges.
At MedicoExperts Tumor Board, we’re dedicated to guiding individuals through their liver cancer journey. Our specialized team is committed to providing personalized care and access to cutting-edge treatments. Let us help you find hope and healing. Book an appointment today to explore your options.
How Can MedicoExperts Tumor Board Help?
At MedicoExperts Tumor Board, we are dedicated to helping people with liver cancer find the best treatment options. Our team of experienced medical professionals is here to assist you in making informed decisions. We will provide comprehensive care and access to the latest treatments so that you can regain control of your life.
MedicoExperts Tumor Board is committed to helping those with liver cancer find hope and healing. MedicoExperts is a global virtual hospital that provides high-quality healthcare services at reasonable prices while maintaining successful treatment outcomes.
Our team of doctors and other medical professionals are all specialized in liver cancer and will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. We understand the unique challenges that come with this condition and are here to provide you with the resources and support you need.
Let us help you find hope and healing. Book an appointment today to learn more about our treatment options.
FAQ :
Q1. What lifestyle changes can be made to reduce the risk of Liver Cancer?
A. Making healthy lifestyle choices is essential in reducing the risk of developing liver cancer. This includes quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also important to get regular check-ups to ensure that any signs of cancer are caught early.
Q2. What are the signs and symptoms of liver cancer?
A. Symptoms of liver cancer can include abdominal pain, swelling in the abdomen or legs, weight loss, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice), fever, and general weakness.
Q3. What are the major tests used to detect Liver Cancer?
A. Commonly used tests for liver cancer detection include imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET/CT scans. Blood tests such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and liver function tests are also commonly used for diagnosis. Learn more with MedicoExperts.
Q4. Can liver cancer be treated?
A. Yes, liver cancer can be treated in many cases.
Q5. Is Liver Cancer painful?
A. The nature of the pain depends on its origin, with soft tissue pain feeling pulsating and nerve pain being sharp or stabbing. In rare cases where tumors spread to the bone, deep, dull pain may be experienced.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6895451/
https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/rare-tumors/rare-vascular-tumors/angiosarcoma
