Liver cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects thousands of people each year. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with liver cancer, it’s important to understand the treatment options available to you. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of liver cancer treatment and what you can expect from each.
Diagnosing Liver Cancer
Before we discuss liver cancer treatment options, it’s essential to understand how liver cancer is diagnosed. Typically, liver cancer is diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies. These tests can help determine the size and location of the tumour and the stage of cancer.
Types of Liver Cancer Treatment
- Surgery: Surgery is a common treatment option for liver cancer, particularly for tumours that are small and have not spread to other parts of the body. Surgery involves removing the cancerous tumour and a portion of the healthy liver tissue surrounding it.
- In radiation therapy, high-energy radiation is utilised to destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment is typically used for liver cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This type of treatment is typically used for advanced liver cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a newer type of liver cancer treatment that works by boosting the body’s immune system to help fight cancer cells. This type of treatment is typically used for advanced liver cancer that has not responded to other types of treatment.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells are used in targeted therapy. This type of treatment is typically used for advanced liver cancer that has not responded to other types of treatment.
- Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are ongoing research studies that test new liver cancer treatments. Becoming a part of a clinical trial may provide you access to brand-new therapies that aren’t yet commonly used.
Choosing the Right Liver Cancer Treatment
Choosing the right liver cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage and location of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the potential side effects of the treatment. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.
Managing Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, liver cancer treatment can cause side effects. These side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and hair loss, among others. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare team to manage these side effects and ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during treatment.
Liver cancer is a serious disease, but there are several effective treatment options available. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials are all potential options for liver cancer treatment. It’s essential to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. With the right treatment plan and support, liver cancer can be successfully treated, and patients can go on to live long and healthy lives.