Important Information To Know About Liver Cancer

Treatment

Traditional treatment options depend on the stage of liver cancer and the overall health of the patient’s liver. Surgery can remove a tumor on the liver if it is small and can have risks. A liver transplant is often necessary when a small tumor is not able to be removed, and the liver is severely scarred. Ablation therapy is the process of killing cancer cells by heat, laser, or specific substances and embolization denies cancer of blood needed for its survival.

The most common treatments for cancer, including liver cancer, are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In many cases, these treatments are used in conjunction with others for the best results. For instance, chemotherapy or radiation might be used prior to surgery to shrink a tumor as much as possible, in an effort to make the surgery go easier.

Alternative Treatments

In the medical field, there are not yet any naturopathic treatments approved for the treatment of liver cancer, but some complementary therapies might help patients undergoing conventional treatments for their liver cancer. Acupuncture has been shown to help with side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, associated with chemotherapy and similar cancer treatments. Milk thistle is a herb with a history linked to liver health and mistletoe has been used as an herbal remedy on many occasions as well. Of course, when looking at any alternative treatments, liver cancer patients should always discuss anything they might wish to try with their primary doctor before taking any action to reduce interactions and unwanted effects.