Liver Cancer Treatment OptionsWhile people may not hear about liver cancer very often, it is actually the seventh leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Although it is highly treatable when detected early, liver cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage when it is much more difficult to treat.

If you develop liver cancer, your doctor will recommend a variety of treatment options, such as chemotherapy, radiation, embolization, or surgery. These treatments will often slow cancer progression or help patients go into remission, meaning it stops growing and causes few or no symptoms. If remission is not possible, there are a range of treatments available to help manage a patient’s symptoms.

Liver Cancer Treatment Options

More than 10 million Americans are living with cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, liver cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat.

The treatment for liver cancer is dependent on the type and stage of cancer, general health of the patient, and other factors. The cure rate for liver cancer is low, at around 5-10%, but effective treatments are available in the palliative setting to help alleviate symptoms and control the cancer progression.

Image-guided minimally invasive treatments for liver cancer include:

Because of its association with viral hepatitis (B or C depending on the region of the world) and obesity, liver cancer has one of the most rapidly growing incidences in the world.   In fact, in the U.S., liver cancer is the only cancer that is growing in incidence.  When diagnosed with liver cancer, it is critical to seek professional help immediately as prompt intervention can help achieve a better outcome by improving the chances of survival.

Non-surgical Liver Cancer Treatments in Jamaica, NY

Interventional oncology is a highly specialized field of radiology that deals with targeted, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat cancer. Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments for liver cancer can be highly beneficial as they help slow the growth of tumors, spare healthy tissue, and reduce pain and symptoms for many patients.

Radioembolization (Y-90 SIRT)

For patients with either primary liver cancer or colorectal liver cancer whose liver tumor(s) cannot be removed by surgery, radioembolization (Y-90 SIRT) can be a beneficial treatment option. This involves delivering tiny beads filled with the radioactive isotope yttrium-90 (Y-90) directly to liver tumors under image guidance. Because the liver is highly sensitive to radiation damage, this approach makes it possible to effectively treat liver cancer without damaging healthy liver tissue.

Transarterial Chemoembolization

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is another minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for liver cancer that combines the local delivery of chemotherapy with embolization. TACE works by first delivering a high concentration of chemotherapy directly into the tumor. This method also cuts off the tumor’s blood supply by trapping anti-cancer drugs at the site, depriving it from oxygen and nutrients needed for growth.

Patients care for at USA Oncology Center will be managed comprehensively meaning that specialists from various cancer disciplines will collaborate to plan, evaluate, and deliver optimal cancer treatments for each patient. Another of these  image-guided minimally invasive treatments is ablation therapy. This treatment option involves using ultrasound, MRI, or computed tomography (CT) to guide a needle and directly apply extreme heat or cold to a tumor in order to kill it.

There are many different types of liver cancer, but one thing they all have in common is that they can be incredibly difficult to diagnose. If you think you might have liver cancer, you should speak with your doctor immediately. He or she can perform a physical examination of your abdomen, order diagnostic tests, and determine the cause of your symptoms. They may also take a blood sample to test for the presence of cancer, or use imaging techniques, like an MRI or CT scan, to determine whether the cancer has spread.

At USA Oncology Centers, our patients come first. If you’ve been diagnosed with liver cancer and want to learn more about the treatments we offer, call our office at 855.870.4747. Our friendly team can answer all of your questions or schedule an initial consultation with our industry-leading interventional oncologists in Jamaica, NY.

disclaimer+++

The information in blog articles is for information purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult a licensed healthcare professional for advice on any specific medical condition or any changes to your healthcare decisions.

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