Primary liver cancer is a highly perilous condition and ranks among the rapidly proliferating forms of cancer. The majority of primary liver cancer cases involve malignancies occurring within the liver and the bile ducts in the liver. Both types of cancer share common factors such as causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. Gastrointestinal surgeons concentrate on identifying individuals with an elevated risk of developing these cancers, enabling them to detect and treat primary liver cancer at its earliest stages.
Liver cancer is a life-threatening illness and one of the fastest-growing cancer types. There are two kinds of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Primary cancer starts in your liver. Secondary cancer spreads to your liver from another part of your body.
Like many kinds of cancer, GI cancer surgeons can do more to treat liver cancer during the disease’s early stage. Unlike many kinds of cancer, GI cancer surgeons have a good idea of what increases someone’s risk of developing liver cancer. With that in mind, GI cancer surgeons are intent on identifying who may be at increased risk so they can catch and treat primary liver cancer as early as possible.
Liver cancer symptoms are more likely to appear as the cancer grows or becomes advanced.
Symptoms may include:
Hepatitis B or C viruses which result in long-term (chronic) infection can cause liver cancer.
There are other factors that can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, such as:
Tests to diagnose both liver cancer and secondary cancer of the liver include:
Blood Tests: These assessments can evaluate liver function, and blood clotting ability, detect specific tumor markers, assess the presence of hepatitis B or C, and identify any genetic abnormalities.
Ultrasound: The most commonly employed method to detect primary liver cancer, ultrasound generates images of the organ, providing information about the size and location of abnormal tissue within the liver.
CT Scan: CT scans create three-dimensional images of multiple organs simultaneously, aiding doctors in surgical planning and enabling them to assess the extent of cancer spread.
MRI: MRI scans produce highly detailed cross-sectional images of the body, offering insights into tumor size and its impact on major blood vessels around the liver.
PET-CT Scan: Typically used for secondary liver cancers, PET-CT scans generate three-dimensional, color-coded images that pinpoint the locations of cancerous growths throughout the body.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination.
Other Tests: In cases of secondary liver cancer, additional tests may be conducted to determine the origin of the primary cancer if it is not already known.
The primary approaches used to treat primary liver cancer typically involve tumor ablation and the direct delivery of chemotherapy into the cancerous area.
For secondary liver cancer, the prevailing treatments usually include chemotherapy, surgical procedures, or a combination of both.
Surgical options for liver cancer treatment can involve either a partial hepatectomy, which is the removal of a portion of the liver, or a liver transplant, where the entire liver is replaced with a donor liver. The choice of surgery depends on factors such as the size, number, and location of the tumors, and it is suitable for only a select group of patients with liver cancer.
A partial hepatectomy, the surgical procedure to remove a portion of the liver, allows the remaining healthy liver tissue to regenerate and return to its normal size within a few months, provided it is undamaged. In cases where tumors are present on both sides of the liver, surgery may be performed in two stages to allow for liver regrowth after the initial operation.
In situations where removing a part of the liver is not feasible, patients may be considered for a liver transplant. Eligibility for a liver transplant is determined based on various factors, including the individual’s overall health. Additionally, candidates for a liver transplant should not smoke, use illegal drugs, and should have abstained from alcohol for at least six months. However, it’s important to note that finding a suitable donor liver can be a time-consuming process. During the waiting period, many patients may receive other treatments to manage their cancer.
GI cancer surgeons have several common treatments for HCC and IHC, including surgery to remove part of your liver, liver transplantation, and liver-directed treatments like hepatic arterial embolization and ablation. They may also use several types of chemotherapy, chemoembolization, radiation therapy, radioembolization, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Here are some reasons why you might consider Dr. Saurabh Kalia (GI Surgeon in Jaipur) for liver cancer surgery in Jaipur:
Expertise: Dr. Saurabh Kalia should have specialized training and experience in the field of surgical oncology or hepatobiliary surgery.
Experience: Dr. Saurabh Kalia has done more liver cancer surgeries & the more expertise they have in handling complex cases.
Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews to get an idea of the experiences of those who have undergone liver cancer surgery with Dr. Saurabh Kalia.
Consultation: Dr. Saurabh Kalia provides the best consultation for your case and gives proper treatment for your case and disease.
Before the surgery, your medical team will conduct a series of tests and consultations to assess your overall health and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for surgery. They will also provide detailed instructions regarding dietary restrictions and medication management.
Recovery time can vary from person to person, but it typically takes several weeks to months. Your medical team will provide you with a recovery plan, including post-operative care, physical activity recommendations, and follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Depending on the stage and type of liver cancer, your doctor may recommend additional treatments post-surgery. They will explain the necessity, potential side effects, and the expected duration of these treatments if required.
It’s essential to be informed about the potential risks, which can include bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you, as well as the steps they will take to minimize them.
Preparing for surgery goes beyond physical readiness. Discuss your concerns, questions, and emotional well-being with your healthcare team. They can provide resources for support and help you develop coping strategies for the emotional aspects of the procedure.
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Dr Saurabh Kalia is a very good and experienced GI surgeon. If I am safe today, it is because of his treatment. Dr. Saurabh Kalia likes to work very carefully and quickly. He saves the patient first. Thank you, boss.
Thank you so much sir you treated my father-in-law. We did not expect at all that he would be cured like this...your behavior is very commendable and of a high standard...and I have full faith I hope you will continue saving people's lives like this... once again thank you very much, sir.
I have never seen a doctor like this in the past, very intelligent calm and cool. Best in class
Best treatment and behavior by Dr. Kalia... Really the best experience and treatment