TACE Test: Another Option For Curing Liver Cancer

 

 

     Dr. Ki Ruekchuchit, a medical oncologist at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, stated that the cause of liver cancer originates in liver tissue after prolonged liver damage. A common contributing factor is infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, which significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer, even in individuals without cirrhosis.

 

Causes of Liver Cancer

• Excessive alcohol consumption over an extended period, leading to cirrhosis.
• Chronic liver inflammation due to conditions such as autoimmune liver diseases or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), often associated with obesity.
• Exposure to toxins through diet, such as aflatoxins found in mold-contaminated peanuts, grains, and corn.

 

 

 

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Patients with liver cancer may experience symptoms such as:

 

• Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant.
• Abdominal distension due to fluid accumulation (ascites), sometimes accompanied by jaundice.
• Easy bruising or bleeding, indicative of impaired blood clotting.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or increasing fatigue.

 

Diagnosis of Liver Cancer

Liver cancer can be diagnosed through various methods, including:

 

• Physical examination, where jaundice, an enlarged liver, or fluid in the abdomen may be detected.
• Blood tests, which may reveal abnormal liver function, elevated bilirubin levels, or increased tumor markers.
• Medical imaging, such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or liver biopsy for pathological examination.

 

'TACE Test' The Alternative Options

Liver cancer treatment can generally be categorized into:

 

• Curative treatment including surgical resection (removal of the affected liver lobe) or liver transplantation, provided a donor liver is available.
• Palliative treatment which aims to control tumor growth and prolong survival in cases where surgery is not an option.

 

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If detected early, liver cancer can be treated effectively. For larger tumors, downstaging treatments may be used to shrink the tumor, making it operable.

 

 

 

 

 

TACE Test for Liver Cancer Treatment

     Dr. Anuchit Ruamtarathong, a radiologist at Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, explained that for elderly patients or those unable to undergo surgery, Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) can be an effective alternative.

 

Procedure

• A needle is inserted into the tumor, and localized heat (above 50°C) is applied.
• A low-dose chemotherapy drug is then delivered directly to the tumor.
• This treatment method is known as TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization) Test

 

Limitations of TACE Treatment

• Tumors must be small (no larger than 2–3 cm).
• The total number of tumors should not exceed 3–4 in the same region.
• The effectiveness depends on tumor stage and liver function at the time of treatment.

 

Understanding Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Risk

     Since liver cancer often develops due to chronic liver disease, patients should avoid substances harmful to the liver, such as paracetamol and high-fat foods, which increase liver strain.

 

 

Source: Courtesy of Dr. Anuchit Ruamtarathong, Radiologist

 

 

Individuals who are hepatitis B carriers are at a higher risk and should undergo regular screening every six months, including:

 

• Ultrasound
• Blood tests for liver cancer markers

 

Preventing Hepatitis B with Vaccination

• Individuals over 40 years old should check their immunity to hepatitis B.
• If no immunity is detected, a three-dose hepatitis B vaccine series is recommended for protection.
• If a person is a hepatitis B carrier, their spouse should also be vaccinated, as the virus can be transmitted.

 

Early Detection Increases Survival Rates

     Liver cancer can be effectively diagnosed and treated if detected early. Physicians strongly recommend high-risk individuals undergo an ultrasound every six months to maximize the chances of early intervention.