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Liver cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the liver, leading to the formation of tumors.
Liver cancer is a serious condition that can interfere with the liver's normal functions, such as filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to aid in digestion, and storing energy in the form of glycogen. It can also spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), making it difficult to treat.
Risk factors for liver cancer include chronic infection with hepatitis B or C viruses, heavy alcohol use, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), obesity, diabetes, and certain genetic conditions. Symptoms of liver cancer may include abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and easy bruising or bleeding.
Here are some common types as below:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Following are the procedure steps:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the tumor(s) may be an option for early-stage liver cancer (especially hepatocellular carcinoma) and for patients with good liver function. The type of surgery performed depends on the size, location, and extent of the tumor(s). Surgical options may include:
1. Hepatectomy:
Removal of a portion of the liver containing the tumor.
2. Liver transplant:
In some cases, a liver transplant may be recommended, especially for patients with small tumors and cirrhosis. During a liver transplant, the entire liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor.
3. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation:
These minimally invasive procedures use heat to destroy cancerous tissue in the liver. They are often used for small tumors that are not suitable for surgical removal.
Liver-directed therapies: These treatments target the cancer directly in the liver and may be used when surgery is not an option or in combination with other treatments.
Examples include:
1. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE):
This procedure involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the artery supplying the tumor(s) in the liver, followed by the blocking of the artery to cut off the tumor's blood supply.
2. Radioembolization (Yttrium-90):
Tiny radioactive beads are injected into the blood vessels supplying the tumor(s) to deliver radiation directly to the cancer cells while sparing healthy liver tissue.
Systemic therapies: These treatments are delivered throughout the body and may be used to treat both primary and metastatic liver cancer. They include:
1. Chemotherapy:
Drugs that kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth may be given orally or intravenously.
2. Targeted therapy:
Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression may be used, especially in cases where the cancer has specific genetic mutations.
3. Immunotherapy:
These drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is becoming an increasingly important treatment option for some types of liver cancer.
Palliative care: In advanced cases where curative treatments are not possible, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional and psychological support for patients and their families.