Modern Solutions to Liver Cancer
Liver is an important organ in the digestive system located in right upper side of abdominal cavity. It is rightly called as -workhorse' of the body since it not only helps in digestion of consumed food, but also performs other important functions like protein synthesis, drug metabolism, excretion of body waste Which are very important for maintaining balance in body function.
Such an important organ in the body which is continuously working is also prone for disease due to various causes like viral infection, alcohol. drugs, cancer, birth defects etc. One major problem that occurs in Liver is Liver cancer (HCC). Liver cancer usually occurs in a liver which is damaged due to various causes like alcohol abuse,chronic viral infections like Hepatitis B and C, congenital birth defects etc.. In only 10% cases the HCC occurs in undamaged liver. Even in children a type ofliver cancer called as Hepatoblastoma can be seen.
Majority of cases remain asymptomatic till very late stage as tumour tends to grow inside liver. pain in the right upper side Of abdomen, jaundice, weight loss are common symptoms in liver cancer patients. One may have blood vomitings , abdominal distention and severe pain abdomen in advanced cases. Liver cancer can be diagnosed With simple blood tests like serum AFP and ultrasound scan Of abdomen particularly in high risk individuals. Advanced diagnostic tests like CT scan. PET CT. MRI scan may be required for staging Of disease.
Once diagnosed Liver cancer can be treated with removal of affected part of liver —called Hepatectomy.
This procedure can be done either by traditional open procedure or in select cases by Laparoscopic technique. Even in children, suffering from hepato blastoma, major hepatectomy operations are done with minimal complication.
In some cases which are not amenable for resection, patient can be offered cure by Liver transplantation where by the affected Liver is completely removed and replaced by healthy liver procured from a donor.
Liver is an important organ in the digestive system located in right upper side of abdominal cavity. It is rightly called as -workhorse' of the body since it not only helps in digestion of consumed food, but also performs other important functions like protein synthesis, drug metabolism, excretion of body waste Which are very important for maintaining balance in body function.
Such an important organ in the body which is continuously working is also prone for disease due to various causes like viral infection, alcohol. drugs, cancer, birth defects etc. One major problem that occurs in Liver is Liver cancer (HCC). Liver cancer usually occurs in a liver which is damaged due to various causes like alcohol abuse,chronic viral infections like Hepatitis B and C, congenital birth defects etc.. In only 10% cases the HCC occurs in undamaged liver. Even in children a type ofliver cancer called as Hepatoblastoma can be seen.
Majority of cases remain asymptomatic till very late stage as tumour tends to grow inside liver. pain in the right upper side Of abdomen, jaundice, weight loss are common symptoms in liver cancer patients. One may have blood vomitings , abdominal distention and severe pain abdomen in advanced cases. Liver cancer can be diagnosed With simple blood tests like serum AFP and ultrasound scan Of abdomen particularly in high risk individuals. Advanced diagnostic tests like CT scan. PET CT. MRI scan may be required for staging Of disease.
Once diagnosed Liver cancer can be treated with removal of affected part of liver —called Hepatectomy.
This procedure can be done either by traditional open procedure or in select cases by Laparoscopic technique. Even in children, suffering from hepato blastoma, major hepatectomy operations are done with minimal complication.
In some cases which are not amenable for resection, patient can be offered cure by Liver transplantation where by the affected Liver is completely removed and replaced by healthy liver procured from a donor.
Dr.Surendar Reddy Baradhi
MD (AIIMS – Internal Medicine),DM (Gastro & Hepatology)Consultant Gastroenterologist And Hepatologist,
Padmavathi Gastro & Liver Hospital
Phone: +91-040 - 49530673, 23040450