An Overview Of Liver Cancer Treatment

When liver cancer, either primary (arises in the liver itself), or formed at other sites (then spread to the liver from the breast, colon or lungs), is found early, Liver Cancer Treatment is more often effective.

Primary liver cancer accounts for only about two percent of cancers in the U.S., as it is not common in the states. It affects twice as many men as women and is more likely in those over 50.

More than half of all people diagnosed with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) have cirrhosis, but it tends to occur in livers damaged for various reasons (alcohol abuse, or in those who have battled chronic infection like hepatitis B and C for long periods of time).  Surgery is typically the recommended treatment, but this is only if the patient is healthy enough.

Most liver cancer is secondary, originating from nearby tissue. Cancer treatment options of more advanced stages of liver cancer include both chemo and radiation therapy. Often such Liver Cancer Treatment options are not given as cures (few survive advanced stages), but they may allow better management of the disease, as well as improving the quality of life.

Since the liver is made up of a diverse network of cells, the tumors that can form are just as varied. Because they have different causes, they must be treated differently, as well. This means regained health depends on what type of tumor you have.

As for symptoms, most do not appear until the disease is advanced.  As liver cancer grows, pain in the abdomen may be experienced, usually on the upper right side that may radiate to the back and/or the shoulder.  Other symptoms include bloating, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, weight loss, weakness or an overall feeling of tiredness, fever, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice).

At this point, patient and doctor should work together to develop a Liver Cancer Treatment plan, or more appropriately, the decision should involve the patient, his or her family, and the doctor. Because liver cancer therapy may damage healthy cells and tissues. Also,  side effects are common in different treatment options.

For those undergoing treatment, enough calories to maintain a healthy weight is needed. Protein is also necessary, as it is broken down into amino acids, the building blocks of the body. This will enable the patient to feel better and have more energy.  Eating well may be difficult, but patients should be encouraged to maintain strength, as this will promote healing.

Because liver cancer is so hard on people, many doctors encourage them to consider taking part in clinical trials, which are meant to help improve any current Liver Cancer Treatment.

For any who have had a liver transplant, aftercare will be of the utmost importance, as the doctor or team of doctors must watch closely for rejection.