Join an oncology support group for patients and their families
Here you will find:
- updates on trips for medical treatment abroad, opening of borders,
- up-to-date and useful information about the fight against cancer around the world,
- live broadcasts with leading foreign doctors,
- stories and testimonials of those who have undergone cancer treatment abroad,
- answers to questions that concern you,
- support from people who understand you.
Join the Facebook group
Where is the best place to treat liver metastases?
For the treatment of liver metastases abroad, modern medical equipment and sparing surgical techniques are used. To remove single tumors, laparoscopic operations are performed - the surgeon excises the tumor or the lobe of the liver through several incisions in the peritoneum up to 2 cm. This reduces the risk of postoperative complications and shortens the rehabilitation period.
For the treatment of secondary tumors without surgery, foreign doctors use radiation therapy and radiosurgery units. These systems affect the tumor with an accuracy of 0.2 mm, do not require incisions and anesthesia, and do not damage healthy tissues. This type of treatment is used for multiple formations and for patients who are contraindicated in surgery.
What to consider when choosing a clinic?
When choosing a clinic for the treatment of liver cancer, it is necessary to consider:
- clinic specialization;
- qualification of surgeons and oncologists;
- the possibility of treating the tumor without surgery.
Diagnosis of liver metastases abroad
Diagnosis of liver metastases in clinics abroad includes:
- consultation with an oncologist and hepatologist;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs to determine the size and structure of the tumor;
- computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal organs to detect other possible liver metastases;
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast to obtain an accurate image of the tumor;
- positron emission computed tomography (PET-CT) to determine the extent of the metastatic process;
- CT or MRI guided biopsy to determine the grade of the tumor and the type of cancer.
How is liver metastasis treated abroad?
Surgical treatment of liver metastases
Surgical treatment of liver metastases is carried out only with single tumors. In this case, the doctor excised a small area or lobe of the liver, which is affected by cancer cells.
The operation is carried out simultaneously with the removal of the main tumor. If metastases are found after treatment of the primary cancer, surgery is performed to alleviate the patient's condition.
Treatment of liver metastases without surgery
Treatment of liver metastases without surgery is carried out with multiple tumors. It is also prescribed to patients who, due to health conditions, are contraindicated in surgical intervention.
In foreign clinics, for the treatment of secondary liver cancer, they use:
Different types of ablation
- ethanol injections - the destruction of cancer cells with a high concentration of ethyl alcohol;
- cryoablation - the tumor is destroyed under the influence of low temperatures (up to -120 ° C);
- radiofrequency ablation - the impact on the formation of radio waves.
Embolization
- arterial embolization: the doctor blocks the vessels that feed the tumor with small particles of a special substance. Without blood and nutrients, the formation stops growing and eventually collapses;
- chemoembolization: chemotherapy drugs are used to block blood vessels;
- radioembolization, or SIRT therapy: radioactive substances are injected into the vessels of the liver, which destroy the tumor and do not harm healthy cells.
Radiation therapy and radiosurgery
The procedure is carried out using a linear accelerator or a CyberKnife system. They act on liver metastases with an accuracy of 0.2 mm, do not require incisions and do not damage healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy for liver metastases
The drugs are prescribed intravenously or in the form of tablets. Treatment takes place in courses. The oncologist selects the number and duration of each course individually for each patient.
Before choosing treatment methods, the doctor considers the results of the tests, procedures and drugs that were prescribed to treat the primary cancer.
Unique methods of treatment of liver metastases abroad
In some foreign clinics, the Nano-knife device is used to treat liver cancer. With its help, an electroporation procedure is carried out, in which a directed short pulse destroys malignant cells.
How long does it take to treat liver metastases?
The duration of complex diagnostics for liver metastases is 3-7 days.
The duration of surgical treatment is from 10 to 20 days, depending on the type of operation.
Stages of diagnosis and treatment of liver metastases abroad
Stage 1. First consultation with an oncologist
The patient comes to the clinic for the first consultation with the attending oncologist. At the appointment, the doctor collects a complete medical history, information about the primary disease and the treatment received.
Stage 2. Diagnosis of liver metastases
A complete examination takes from 3 to 5 days, depending on the prevalence of the metastatic process and the chosen clinic.
Stage 3. Repeated consultation
The patient re-meets with the attending physician. The oncologist reviews the results of the examination and draws up a treatment plan.
Recovery after treatment of liver metastases
Recovery after treatment of liver metastases depends on the procedures performed and the type of primary cancer. The attending physician issues recommendations to the patient.
If a tumor was resected, a diet must be followed. After chemotherapy and other non-surgical procedures, the oncologist may prescribe a restorative drug therapy. It will help you deal with the side effects of your treatment.
How to go abroad for treatment of liver metastases?
For the treatment of liver metastases abroad, leave a request on the site. A Bookimed coordinator will contact you. This is a medical practitioner who specializes in the treatment of liver cancer and metastases. He will answer your questions about treatment and travel arrangements, suggest the best clinic.
The medical coordinator will keep in touch with you to resolve issues that arise during treatment. We guarantee honesty and transparency in settlements with the clinic.
How to get a second opinion from a doctor before traveling?
You can go to a specialist consultation abroad or get it online. To do this, it is necessary to provide the Bookimed coordinating doctor with all the test results and an extract from the oncologist in whom the patient was treated for primary cancer. The coordinator will transfer them to a foreign doctor, agree on the date of your arrival or the time of the Skype consultation.
How quickly does Bookimed arrange a trip for treatment?
Bookimed will arrange a trip for treatment in 3-7 days, depending on the chosen country.
How to organize a transfer for a patient in serious condition?
For critically ill patients, the medical coordinator can arrange a special flight. This is an air ambulance flight, during which a medical team is on board the aircraft.
Bookimed is an independent medical platform. We do not represent the interests of any of the clinics. Our services are paid by partner hospitals, not by patients.