Primary or Metastatic Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most difficult types of cancer to treat. Surgery to remove the cancer offers the best chance for a cure. However, many tumors are so large that they have grown into major blood vessels or other vital structures in the liver making surgery too risky. As a result, surgery is not possible for more than two-thirds of those with primary liver cancer and more than 90% of those with metastasized cancer. Fortunately for these patients, minimally invasive non-surgical treatments are available.

What causes liver cancer?

Chronic liver infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, can lead to liver cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis, a condition that increases the risk of liver cancer. Fatty liver disease, certain types of molds, smoking and hemochromatosis (a genetic disorder) can also lead to liver cancer.

However, more than 50% of liver cancers are caused by metastatic disease. This means that the cancer originated somewhere else within the body and spread to the liver.

What are my treatment options for liver cancer?

If surgery is not possible or practical, radiation is often used to treat liver tumors. However, the high doses of radiation required for treatment also damage healthy tissue, resulting in poor quality of life and low survival rates.

A minimally invasive approach called transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an approach used by the doctors at VISA for patients with good liver function. It is effective at treating liver cancer, especially when surgery is not an option. It can slow tumor growth, and may be a viable “bridge” therapy for a liver transplant patient.

You can learn more about TACE by clicking here »

For more information about liver cancer and other treatment options offered by VISA, please visit our treatments page or contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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