Liver Cancer is the name that categorizes a multitude of liver cancerous diseases, the most common of which is hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancers that stem from the other parts of the body say colon, lung, rectal, that spread to the liver are called metastatic cancers. Liver Cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the United States, with over 30,000 people dying from liver cancer in 2021.
For Liver Cancer, the most common form of disease-directed treatment is Surgery. The great news is that surgery is often the most successful form of treatment, especially with patients with good liver function and tumors of moderate size.
The two most common forms of Liver Cancer Surgical Treatments are:
- Hepatectomy – This Surgery involves removing a portion of the liver, in order to remove a single tumor. Hepatectomy can only be performed if the tumor in question has not grown into the blood vessels, leaving at least 30% of the liver functioning. The liver in question must also be relatively healthy and free of cirrhosis.
- Possible Side Effects: Bleeding, Infection, Blood Clots, Pneumonia, and the possibility of new Liver Cancer forming
- Liver Transplant – When available, a Liver Transplant can be the best option for patients whose tumors can’t be removed through other surgical methods. Unfortunately, there are only about 8,400 livers available for transplants every year, and these livers are used to treat other diseases alongside liver cancer.
- Possible Side Effects: Bleeding, Infection, Blood Clots, Pneumonia, and the possibility of new Liver Cancer forming
While Liver Cancer is a stressful diagnosis to endure, there are treatments available. If you or a loved one is suffering from Liver Cancer, discuss with your medical team the possibilities of surgical treatment.
