How is liver cancer treated?
In many instances, individual cases are discussed at a multi-disciplinary conference. Doctors from all the relevant specialties (surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, gastroenterology, diagnostic radiology, and pathology) review the main information on the case and make a recommendation on the appropriate multi-disciplinary management. You can request that your case be presented at this conference.
Transplant: For some patients a liver transplant may be an option, but only if the cancer has not spread to other organs and a suitable liver can be found. Surgery: In cases where the cancer has been found early and the liver is otherwise healthy, or has only early-stage cirrhosis, doctors will remove the portion of the liver where the tumor is located, a process called surgical resection. Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy): This is the use of extreme cold produced by liquid nitrogen (or argon gas) to destroy abnormal tissue. Ablation: Some liver tumors can be destroyed by processes called ablation. Radio frequency ablation kills liver tumors by heating them to high temperatures with microwave probes. Another ablation technique destroys tumors by injecting them with ethanol, a form of alcohol. Chemotherapy: Although chemotherapy cannot cure liver cancer, a new technique called transarterial chemoembolization may help prolong life for liver cancer patients. In this procedure, chemoth
This information represents the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals, as well as their own professional experience. The treatment information in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor. Your doctor may have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these general treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask him or her questions about your treatment options. Making treatment decisions After liver cancer is found and staged, your doctor will recommend one or more treatment options. Choosing a treatment plan is a major decision. Take time and think about all of your choices. When planning your treatment, it is i
Your stage of liver cancer and your overall health will determine the method your doctor recommends for treating your illness. The best option for curing liver cancer is surgery. Other techniques used to treat liver cancer include inserting needles into the tumor and destroying the tumor (ablation) and injecting a substance into the tumor to deprive it of the blood supply it needs (embolization). Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also used, usually to stop the cancer from growing and treat its symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best treatment for your liver cancer based on: • Your age, overall health, and medical history • Extent of the disease • Stage of the cancer • Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies • Expectations for the course of the disease • Your opinion or preference All treatments have benefits and risks. You and your doctor should carefully balance the potential benefits of any cancer treatment with its potential risks. Aft
Liver cancer treatment depends on the size of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread or not. You may have one or more of the following treatments: Surgery: A part of your liver may be surgically removed. You may also have a liver transplant if your liver has severe disease. The diseased liver is removed and replaced with a healthy and donated liver.Ablative therapy: Ablation destroys or kills cancer cells. This may be done by injecting alcohol into the cancer cells. High intensity radio waves or laser light may also be used to heat and kill cancer cells. If the tumor cannot be operated upon, other treatments are done. These treatments may decrease your pain or decrease the size of your tumor for surgery at a later date. Chemoembolization: Drugs used for chemotherapy are mixed with another oily chemical. The mixture is then injected into branches of the liver blood vessel, which supplies blood to the cancer. Chemotherapy: This medicine, often called chemo, is used to treat cancer.
