Treatment of liver cancer: conservative and surgical

Conservative and surgical treatment are used to treat liver cancer. The best option is surgical removal of the damaged part of the liver. However, up to 80% of cases are detected at a stage when surgery is no longer possible.

Furthermore, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization, transarterial ambolization, chemotherapy are used along by introducing cytostatics into the liver vessels, which become clogged, thereby stopping the supply of nutrition to the tumour.

Alcoholization of HCC lesions is also used. A multikinase inhibitor (blocks tumour cell and vessel formation to stop nutrition), hormonal and immunomodulatory therapy can also be used. Radiotherapy is used for an inoperable tumour.

The procedure involves irradiating a tumour that cannot be surgically removed. The irradiation is limited to avoid inflammation of the liver, which poorly tolerates radiotherapy. If the tumour cannot be removed, cryosurgery may used, i.e. liquid nitrogen, which acts on the malignant tissue in the liver.

Liver transplantation is also a solution.

However, liver transplantation is subject to the so-called Milan Criteria, which say that there may be no extrahepatic manifestations, no evidence of gross vascular invasion, and one lesion smaller than 5 cm; alternatively, up to three lesions, each smaller than 3 cm.

Prevention is Important

Prevention plays an important role in protecting against liver cancer, especially in the early treatment of hepatitis B and C. In the case of hepatitis B, vaccination is effective in protecting against infection. The prevention and treatment of alcoholism are also important.

Also, consuming risky foods should be avoided, including foods containing aflatoxin, i.e. poisonous carcinogens and mutagens that are produced by certain moulds. It is also important to eliminate the effects of chemicals, including alcohol and smoking.