Treatment Options for Liver Cancers
The liver is the second most important organ of the human body and resides under the rib cage on the right side of the abdomen. This football-sized organ weighs over a kilo in the adult and is essential for many functions including processing of food and breaking it down into simple nutrients and energy, some of which is stored as glycogen for later use by the body. This essential organ is also involved in removal of toxins and harmful substances from the blood. The best part is that this is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself to a certain extent when damaged.
Some of the factors that can lead to damage of the liver include excessive alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C infections that are also linked to liver cancer, some inherited metabolic disorders, exposure to aflatoxins, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that increases the risk of cancer and is also associated with obesity and diabetes, etc.
Tumors of the liver refer to an abnormal growth of tissue that may be benign or malignant; benign growths do not invade surrounding tissues and their outlook is generally better than malignant tissues which can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and generally do not have a good prognosis. Treatment of liver cancer is dependent on the liver’s condition, the size, location and number of tumors, presence of metastases as well as the patient’s age and health.
Primary liver cancer is most treatable when it is detected early and the affected part of the liver can be easily removed surgically, but then, that rarely happens! Secondary or metastatic liver cancers are hard to treat as it has already spread and surgery in the liver is difficult owing to the complex network of vessels and ducts; in such cases, treatment is mainly concerned with making the patient feel better, feel lesser pain and perhaps, live a little longer than expected.
Unfortunately, the prognosis of most liver cancers is very poor as most of them are inoperable by the time they are diagnosed – most probably because the liver is too diseased or the cancer is too advanced, making surgery a non-viable option for most of the cases. In non-complicated early cases, a liver transplant can be considered or a partial surgical removal of the affected part of the liver done.
Proton therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy become the next options of choice. In some cases, the anti-cancer drug is given directly into the liver (chemoembolization) or just plain embolization using ethanol or some tiny pellets to destroy the blood supply to the tumor; the drugs are injected directly into blood vessels close to the tumor. Alternatively cryosurgery may be used to destroy the cancerous cells by freezing them using a metal probe. Radiofrequency ablation is another procedure which utilizes high-energy X-rays delivered through a special probe to destroy the cancerous cells with their heat. Radiation therapy can also be used, but only in low-doses so as to prevent damage to normal cells.
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,
Pregnancy and Delivery Care
Nothing could possibly compare to the joy of becoming a parent. After nine long months of waiting, the moment you have been waiting for is almost there:
Some Common Causes of Chest Pain
The first thing that jumps into the mind whenever you have some sort of chest pain is heart attack! It’s only human to feel that way
Organic Food Vs GMO Food: What Should You Pick?
There is no doubt that the quality of food we consume is crucial for our good health. And with more people becoming health conscious the d
Importance of Breastfeeding and Vaccinations for Newborns
Going nature’s way is best when it comes to providing nourishment for the apple of your eye – your baby. Breast milk is best for your baby as it
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A Breakthrough in Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney stones, those small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys, can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.
Skin Tags - Benign Tumor or Cancerous Tumor?
Skin tag if observed is a narrow stalk that hangs about your skin, bulging at the end. They are usually freshly colored and can grow anywhere on your body.
3 Ways Vitamin C is Helpful for the Immune System
The water-soluble vitamin, Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is helpful in building up the blood vessels, skins, and making bones stronger
4 Signs of Mental Illness
As life has gotten fast and hectic, different health issues have got introduced lately. Not just physical issues,
4 Ways Night-Shifts Can Be Dangerous For Your Menstruation And Ovulation
A good night's sleep is of value for pregnant women. But with strenuous work-hours and shift work, sleep can quite a luxury for all.
Causes Of Infertility in Women
More and more women are putting off pregnancy till well into their 30’s or early 40’s for career reasons; infertility is fast becoming a major heartbreaking issue for such couples.
Do Not Indulge in These 9 Common Dieting Mistakes
Dieting is not just about eating less or starving yourself to meet unrealistic goals. Healthy dieting involves making informed food choices.
Laryngeal Reiinervation Procedure at KIMS Hospital
Mr. K.P 56-year-old business executive from Bangalore underwent a thyroid surgery two years back.
Learn How Stress Affects Your Heart Health
Stress is a frequent side effect of the modern 21st Century lifestyle. We’re always running around to meet deadlines, pay bills we tend to
Lose Weight: The Healthy Way
Almost everyone we know is worried about the way they look. There are several concerns people have, like their complexion
Myths About Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery – be it the gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries – involve making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight.
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Should You be Worried?
A recent study has found that 1 in 5 people in India suffers from liver disorders. Before you blame it on the increased alcohol consumption
Obesity and its Relation to Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that arises when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin,, hence there is excess glucose in the blood
Rotator Cuff Tear
A rotator cuff tear is a rotator cuff injury that can cause shoulder pain and loss of arm function. The rotator cuff is a set of muscles and tendons in your shoulder.
What Happens to Your Body When You Fast?
Fasting has been practised by humans for thousands of years as a way of rejuvenating the mind, body and soul and as a common ritual of many religions from all over the world
Why You Shouldn’t Consume Medicines with Cold Water
There has been a long-raging debate on the temperature of water needed for consuming medications. You won’t find much as in research papers
10 Tasty Delicious Diabetic-Friendly Recipes
Worry about it no more, as a healthy diabetic diet does not have to be bland. Instead, you can enjoy a myriad of flavorful, low-calorie
4 Secrets to Adjusting Your Toddler's Sleep Cycle
Most of the parents, some time or the other, may have faced the trouble of making their toddlers sleep at night.
4 Tips to Use Your Contact Lens the Right Way
Using contact lenses comes with their own benefits and risks. Contact lenses have become fairly popular given their aesthetic appeal and the
Related Blogs
Ten Effective Remedies That You Can Refer to When You Are Suffering from Muscle Cramps
Finally starting off with the gym life can get too overwhelming until you hit those muscle cramps along with the weights.
ICSI(Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Normally during every mid-menstrual period, one of the 2 ovaries releases an ovum. Each ovum is covered by a membrane called follicle,