Liver Cancer: Is There Light At The End Of The Tunnel?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), often known as liver cancer, is a serious type of cancer that develops in the cells of the liver. Because it is linked to a considerable portion of cancer-related deaths worldwide, this illness poses a serious threat to global health. For those who have been diagnosed with the illness, there are several treatments available at Liver Hospital in India; however, the effectiveness of these treatments mostly depends on how far advanced the cancer has become.
Even while it is still relatively rare, occurrences of liver cancer are increasing. Did you know that in the United States, it is predicted that 1% of men and 1% of women will get liver cancer at some point in their life? Given the advancement in the treatment facilities, the cancer hospitals in India are seeing a rise amongst both national and international patients.
There are two basic forms of liver cancer: primary and secondary. While secondary cancer spreads from other regions of the body, primary cancer starts in the liver.
There are three types of primary liver cancer
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): Making up the majority of cases, this type of liver cancer is the most common.
Intrahepatic cancer (IHC): An uncommon form of cholangiocarcinoma, IHC primarily impacts the liver’s bile ducts. It accounts for 10% to 20% of cases of primary liver cancer.
Angiosarcoma: This uncommon form of liver cancer, which affects 1% of all cases, develops from the lining of blood cells in the liver. Additional organs may potentially be impacted.
Like many other types of the disease, effective treatment of liver cancer depends greatly on early discovery. Healthcare professionals are well-versed in the elements that raise the chance of getting liver cancer, which makes it special. With this knowledge, they can spot those who could be at a higher risk, as well as detect and treat primary liver cancer in its earliest stages.
What Are the Available Treatments To Cure Liver Cancer?
Surgery
Surgery is the most popular kind of treatment since it provides the best chance of curing cancer. The goal of surgery is to completely remove all malignant tissue. The tumor’s size, stage, and placement within the liver are all factors that affect how successfully such a procedure goes. The most effective treatment for locally advanced cancer is surgery, but if the tumour has spread too far, it may not be an option. In certain situations, medical professionals could advise chemotherapy or radiation therapy to reduce the tumour.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells in a non-invasive manner. It might be suggested by medical professionals to patients with advanced cancer or those who cannot have surgery.
Chemotherapy
This is a form of medication therapy that employs chemicals to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is typically administered if radiation therapy has failed or if surgery cannot completely remove the malignant tissue. As part of chemotherapy, your blood is used to transport medications throughout your body.
Targeted Therapy
A specific molecular target that is specific to cancer cells is the focus of this sort of medication therapy. The treatment of many different types of cancer, including liver cancer, has showed encouraging outcomes using this strategy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of therapy that aims to strengthen the body’s natural defenses against cancer cells. When more traditional treatments fall short of achieving the intended results, it is typically utilized as an extra kind of treatment.
Understanding the life expectancy of liver cancer is important for determining how serious it is, although encouraging developments in life-extending treatments are being made. Despite the fact that liver cancer still poses a serious hazard, data show that survival rates are rising. Three years after starting treatment, 35% of people with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of the liver are still alive.
Liver Transplant TreatmentTags: Liver Cancer