Liver Cancer Treatment

Embolization treats liver cancer by blocking blood flow from the hepatic artery. The cancer cells die while the healthy liver cells survive because they are still receiving blood from the hepatic portal vein. Chemoembolization can also be used; this... Full Answer

There are several treatment options for liver cancer; however there are three main goals of treatment: to get rid of the cancer, to keep it from spreading, and to control symptoms. Possible treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy,... Full Answer

The liver is an extremely well vascularized structure so one of the major issues is making sure that the operation is performed safely to minimize blood loss. At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, an entire team of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and... Full Answer

Some patients who have extensive liver metastasis but little or no spread to other distant parts of the body may benefit from yttrium-90 microsphere infusion via the hepatic artery. For this treatment, a radiologist places a long, thin tube into an... Full Answer

Liver transplant involves receiving a liver, or part of a liver, from a donor. The donor may be deceased or still living. Your diseased liver would be removed from your body and replaced with a healthy one. This is only possible if the cancer has not... Full Answer

In general, the most effective treatment for tumors that have spread (metastasized) to the liver is complete surgical removal. However, in general, this option is limited to patients who have no evidence of other organ involvement by metastatic cancer,... Full Answer

Meditation: There is good evidence that various types of meditation may help improve quality of life in cancer patients. Studies have shown benefits for mood, sleep quality, and the stresses of treatment. The specific effects of meditation are not fully... Full Answer

The liver has the unique ability to "grow back" after parts of it have been removed. The body does require that a minimum amount of liver be left behind following surgery in order to give the body enough time for this re-growth to occur. Sometimes, when... Full Answer

There are some alternative treatments for liver cancer. However, many of them are only meant to help you cope with the pain of the disease. They consist of acupressure, acupuncture, and massage. You may choose to participate in a clinical trial in which... Full Answer

Side effects of radiation therapy include nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Another common one is diarrhea. It is possible to control the side effects with medication. Full Answer