Primary liver cancer is cancer that forms in tissues of the liver. Secondary liver cancer is cancer that spreads to the liver from another part of the body. The only cure for cancer of the liver is an organ transplant, "explains Zuckerman, an associate professor and interventional radiologist at UC." However, this procedure allows us to stabilize the patient 's position to control cancer growth and tumor shrinkage. Then we can deal with it surgically, or as a stand-alone therapy for patients who aren t good candidates "for surgery."
Liver Cancer Treatment
Surgery is the most effective treatment for primary liver cancer, but this is not always possible due to the size or position of the tumor. It is possible to use if the cancer has spread beyond the liver. If the liver is damaged by cirrhosis can not be safe for surgery.
Alcohol injection: In this procedure, pure alcohol is injected directly into tumors, either through the skin or during an operation. Alcohol will dry the tumor cells and eventually the cells die. Each treatment consists of an injection, although you may have a series of injections for best results. Injection of alcohol has been shown to improve survival in people with small hepatocellular tumors. Can also be used to help reduce symptoms in cases of metastatic liver cancer. The most common side effect is leakage of alcohol in the liver or abdominal cavity.
Radiofrequency ablation: In this procedure, the electric current in the radiofrequency range is used to destroy malignant cells. The use of ultrasound or CT guidance, the surgeon inserts several thin needles into small incisions in the abdomen. When the needles reach the tumor, they 're heated with an electric current, destroying the malignant cells. Radiofrequency ablation is an option for people with small tumors, unresectable hepatocellular and for some types of cancer with liver metastases. Although the procedure has a higher risk of serious complications of alcohol injection does seem to offer better results.
Chemoembolization: Chemoembolization is most beneficial for patients whose disease is confined to the liver. Has shown some success with patients whose cancer has spread to other areas. Patients with kidney disease, problems with blood clotting, or known allergies to contrast agents are not good candidates for this procedure.
Radiation therapy: This treatment uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body or
radiation containing materials inserted into your liver. Radiation can be used in monotherapy for the treatment of localized unresectable cancer. Or you may have radiation therapy after surgical removal of a tumor to help destroy the remaining malignant cells. Radiation side effects can include fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy can be "meaning that travels throughout the body in the bloodstream," or regional level.
Systemic chemotherapy is usually not effective in treating liver cancer, but may be a treatment option in some cases.




