Liver Cancer Surgery
Surgery is one of the options preferred at the early stages of any type of cancer. The same goes for liver cancer surgery for the removal of a malignant tumour from the liver, which is called resection. However, liver cancer surgery is somewhat unique and therefore, one has to understand the pros and cons more carefully before making a choice about whether or not to opt for liver cancer surgery. In particular, it is the only organ in the body which is capable of regenerating itself even after surgical removal of a major part of it. This article provides general information in simple language about the various important aspects of liver cancer surgery.
Liver Cancer Surgery -Causes
As for other types of cancer, the precise reason for the formation of rogue cells in the human body is not yet clearly understood. However, the common causes of liver cancer are believed to be the following:
- alcohol abuse
- certain autoimmune diseases of the liver
- diseases causing long term inflammation of the liver
Liver Cancer Surgery -Diagnosis
Normally, a general physician on the basis of a clinical examination and some diagnostic tests of the patient makes a preliminary evaluation of the suspected liver cancer and refers the case to an oncologist or cancer specialist. He then conducts some more clinical and pathological tests including radiological, blood, biopsy of the tumour etc. to determine the presence or absence of liver cancer.
The positive diagnosis of cancer has to include whether it’s primary or secondary in nature, and also its extent of spread to other organs or parts of the body. A correct and in-depth diagnosis of the disease including basic and confirmatory test information must be obtained in order to establish the chances of success of the liver cancer surgery. The importance of speed in the process of diagnosis cannot be over emphasized, as time is very important for successful early treatment.
Liver Cancer Surgery- Surgical Treatment
The choice of surgery depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, general health, the size and nature of the tumour, the extent of the spread of the disease to other organs and the clinical condition of the patient. An ideal patient for cancer liver surgery is one whose tumour is confined to the liver only and has not spread to other organs. In case the disease has spread to other areas of the body, depending on the medical condition of the patient, surgery would have to be carried out in those areas as well to eliminate the disease, and the risks of successful treatment are slim.
Once a decision is taken for a patient to undergo surgery, he will be hospitalized for 5-7 days including surgery and post-operative care in hospital. However, he is advised rest at home for another 3-4 weeks before returning to work.
The total cost of liver cancer surgical treatment including surgeon’s fee, hospital expenses, medicines etc. varies greatly on case to case basis but could be in the range of £40,000-60,000 in a private UK clinic. UK citizens are also able to have liver cancer surgery performed on the NHS.
Liver Cancer Surgery -Other Treatments
It is important to mention that it is often necessary to provide other concomitant treatments alongside liver cancer surgery such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy etc. to improve the chances of recovery and to safeguard against the recurrence of liver cancer in the future. In addition, oral medicines are also to be taken over a prolonged period to suppress the regeneration of the disease.