Hepatic System: Liver Cancer Flashcards
What are the dx tests for liver cancer?
- CT/MRI
* Liver biopsy
What are the non-surgical tx for liver cancer?
- Ablation (burn/freeze)
- Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation
- Chemotherapy/Radiation
- Transarterial chemoembolization
What is Transarterial chemoembolization
- A procedure that places chemotherapy and synthetic materials called embolic agents into a blood vessel feeding a cancerous tumor to cut off the tumor’s blood supply and trap the chemotherapy within the tumor.
- It is most often used to treat liver cancer
What type of hepatitis increases risk of liver cancer?
• Hep B
How often should the liver cancer pt have a check up?
• Every 6mos to 1yr
What is the recommended diet for liver cancer pts?
- Moderate carbs
- Low fat
- High protein, unless cirrhotic, in which case low protein
- Low glycemic index foods to manage insulin
- Organic vegetables
Why should a liver cancer not eat raw fish?
• Hep A can sometimes come from fish
Why should the liver cancer pt be careful of Chinese remedies?
• Herbs can be toxic
What are the preicteric phase s/s of early liver cancer?
- Mild fever/ HA
- Fatigue/muscle aches
- Poor appetite
- N/V/D
What are the icteric phase s/s of late liver cancer?
- Dark urine
- Pale feces
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Itching
What is a surgical tx for liver cancer?
• Transplant
True or False
The liver is the only organ that regenerates
• True
How long does it take for the liver to regenerate?
• 2-6 months
Why are highly skilled doctors sought for liver transplants?
• The surgery has very complicated connections and success will greatly depend on skill of surgeon
Why will liver transplant recipients be required to be on immunosuppressants for the rest of their lives?
• Because of the high risk for rejection of the transplant
