What are the treatments for liver cancer? What should I pay attention to after liver cancer treatment?

Generally speaking, for liver cancer, comprehensive treatment is often used. Simply put, it is to combine various existing treatment methods in a planned and reasonable manner according to the specific conditions of the tumor, such as type, stage of the disease, and patient's organ function, so as to achieve better treatment results.

Currently, the commonly used treatments for liver cancer include:

1. Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for early liver cancer, which mainly achieves the purpose of treatment by removing the tumor.

1. Radiotherapy

As for radiotherapy, the technology has been improved rapidly in recent years. Many patients with early small liver cancer who are not suitable for surgery can be cured through radiotherapy, and the damage to liver function is relatively small. Taking the body gamma knife as an example, experts said that the principle of body gamma knife to treat liver cancer is similar to the focusing process of a magnifying glass. Many people know that if a magnifying glass is placed in the sun for a long time, there will be a small light spot under the magnifying glass. The temperature inside the light spot is relatively high and can even ignite some objects, while outside the light spot, the temperature does not change significantly. Similarly, the radiation dose is concentrated in the tumor area, so that the tumor receives a dose sufficient to kill cancer cells, and then achieves the ideal treatment effect.

2. Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses high-intensity radio waves or lasers through a needle inserted into the tumor, delivering enough heat to kill cancer cells. Radiofrequency ablation has largely replaced alcohol ablation.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses chemicals to stop cancer cells from growing, dividing, and spreading. Systemic chemotherapy involves administering drugs through the bloodstream to reach widespread cancer cells. A specific number of cycles are usually given over a given period of time, either through an intravenous line or taken orally. This is not usually used for hepatocellular carcinoma. Side effects of chemotherapy vary by individual and dosage, but include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, low blood counts, bleeding or bruising after superficial cuts or injuries, and numbness and tingling in the extremities. These usually stop once treatment is over.

4. Palliative care

Palliative care aims to reduce the symptoms and side effects of treatment to improve quality of life. Palliative care can be a combination of medications, dietary changes, relaxation techniques, emotional support, and other therapies.

What should I pay attention to after liver cancer treatment?

1. After treatment of liver cancer patients, regular check-ups are absolutely necessary, especially in the first two to three years after treatment. Usually, a check-up is conducted once every one or two months in the first year, and then once every 6-12 months, so that doctors can promptly grasp changes in the condition and diagnose and treat early.

2. If you experience nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, mild hematuria, numbness of hands, facial pain and other symptoms during the treatment, most of these are side effects of the drugs. You should tell your doctor in time and take appropriate symptomatic measures, which will improve the condition.

3. After treatment, liver cancer patients should maintain a regular lifestyle, pay attention to the combination of work and rest, avoid overwork, and maintain a positive attitude towards life. In terms of diet, they should supplement more foods containing protein, vitamins, high calories, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. After treatment, liver cancer patients should try not to go to announced places to avoid infection. In addition, they should pay more attention to their physical condition. If any abnormalities are found, they must go to the hospital to see a doctor in time.