How Liver Metastasis Is Treated?
Liver Metastasis can be treated successfully, mainly if diagnosed at early stage. There are different treatment options available to know more about the same talk to Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy at GEM Hospital.
Liver metastasis refers to the cancer spread from its original spot to the liver. Liver is most common place to spread cancer. Understanding the latest methods of handling this condition is vital for patients and doctor.
Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a leading doctor in liver disease treatment and liver transplant surgery in Chennai, provides valuable thoughts into the treatment options available for liver metastasis.
What is Liver Metastasis?
Liver metastasis occurs when cancer cells travel from their original spot via the bloodstream and set secondary tumors in the liver. Due to its extensive blood supply liver is most common organ for metastasis. Symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and liver dysfunction. Diagnosis of liver metastasis can be done with the help of ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and biopsy.
How to diagnose Liver Metastasis?
For best treatment proper diagnosis is necessary. The diagnosis of liver metastasis include following things also:
- Imaging Studies:Techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are utilised to visualize liver lesions and define the extent of metastasis.
- Biopsy:A tissue sample from the liver may be obtained through percutaneous biopsy or endoscopic procedures to affirm the presence of metastatic disease and recognize its starting point.
- Blood Tests:Tumor markers like CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and CA 19-9 can help assess the activity of the cancer and observe treatment response.
What are the Treatment Strategies for Liver Metastasis?
The treatment of liver metastasis depend on deferent aspects like primary cancer type, the scope of liver involvement, overall health, and patient choices. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy recaps the following primary therapy strategies:
Surgical Resection:
Liver surgery, is mostly considered when metastasis is restricted to one or a few areas and the patient healthy. The purpose is to remove the metastatic tumors while keeping as much of the fit liver tissue as it is. This method can lead to long-term survival and, in some cases cure as well. Not all patients are suitable for surgery due to the tumor location and number of tumors or other health needs.
- Criteria for Resection:Candidates for surgery typically have a small number of metastases, well-functioning liver, and no proof of extrahepatic disease.
- Techniques:Advanced surgical techniques, including laparoscopic surgery, can minimize recovery time and improve outcomes.
Liver Transplantation:
Liver transplantation is considered for patients with vast liver metastasis who are not candidates for surgical resection. This process includes clearing the entire liver and replacing it with a healthy donor liver. Dr. Gurumurthy makes sense of that liver transplantation is a troublesome cycle with severe qualification rules and is in many cases utilized in a combination of basic treatments.
- Indications: Liver transplantation may be considered when metastases are limited to the liver, and the primary cancer has been effectively treated or is in remission.
Systemic Chemotherapy:
Systemic chemotherapy involves using drugs to target and kill cancer cells throughout the body. For liver metastasis, chemotherapy can help recoil cancers, reduce side effects, and work on by and large endurance. Dr. Gurumurthy purifies several chemotherapy regimens based on the primary cancer type:
- Colorectal Cancer:Regimens like FOLFOX (folinic acid, fluorouracil, oxaliplatin) and FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan) are commonly used.
- Breast Cancer: Treatments may include taxanes (e.g., paclitaxel) or anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin).
- Lung Cancer: Platinum-based regimens and targeted therapies are often employed.
Targeted Therapy:
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular targets associated with cancer cells, aiming to disrupt the growth and spread of tumors. Dr. Gurumurthy notes that targeted therapies can be particularly effective for patients with certain genetic mutations or specific cancer types. Examples include:
- EGFR Inhibitors: Used for lung cancer with EGFR mutations.
- VEGF Inhibitors: Target blood vessel growth in various cancers.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Microwave Ablation:
RFA and microwave ablation are minimally invasive procedures that use heat to destroy cancer cells. These techniques are often used for small liver metastases or as an adjunct to other treatments. Dr. Gurumurthy says that these methods can be useful for patients who are not surgical nominees or as a bridge to surgery.
- Procedure: A probe is inserted into the liver lesion via the skin, guided by imaging methods, to deliver targeted heat.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT):
SBRT delivers high doses of radiation to specific liver tumors with precision. This approach is beneficial for patients with limited metastases who are not candidates for surgery or other local therapies. Dr. Gurumurthy specifies that SBRT delivers a non-invasive choice with a focus on minimizing damage to covering healthy tissues.
Multidisciplinary Method:
Dr. Gurumurthy supports a multidisciplinary approach to handling liver metastasis. A coordinated effort among oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists ensures complete care and optimal therapy results. Routine Checkups and monitoring are required to assess treatment response, manage side effects, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
When to See a Doctor?
Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is the Best Liver Cancer Treatment in Chennai and He recommends patients seek medical guidance if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent Abdominal Pain: Continuous torment in the upper right half of the midsection could be an indication of live involvement.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Compelling and unexplained weight loss may show progressive cancer.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes can be a sign of liver dysfunction and should be considered directly.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Steady affliction and spewing might be connected to liver issues or the aftereffects of metastatic sickness.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Unexplained and outrageous exhaustion might be an indication of liver brokenness or created malignant growth.
If you experience any signs related to liver metastasis or have worries about cancer treatment, it is important to consult with a Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy.
Conclusion:
Liver metastasis is a difficult challenge in cancer treatment, requiring a nuanced and individualized approach. Dr. Srivatsan Gurumurthy is the best Liver cyst treatment in Chennai and His ability features the different treatment choices accessible, from careful resection and liver transplantation to chemotherapy, designated treatment, and ablative procedures.