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Suggest Treatment For Liver Cancer In An Elderly Patient
Question: Sir, my father is suffering from HCC with liver Sol, largest size of lesion is 17*10 cms in left lobe of liver as per CT scan report on 24/1/15 .I want to know whether some treatment is available to control the liver sols and swelling in feet and legs. His age is 81 years and is feeling weak day by day.please suggest us we are very much disappointed.
Brief Answer:
There is no effective treatment for end stage Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXX,
I am really sorry to know your father's condition.
Dealing with cancers is a huge burden emotionally for everyone.
17x10 cm tumour in the liver is quite a large one and with that size it is highly likely that the cancer has spread to other organs as well, even if the CT scan does not show any spread to the lungs, there will be minute metastasis.
If the tunour is very small and confined to liver, then surgery can get rid of the tumour completely.
In your father's case, it is highly unlikely that he can even withstand a surgery or chemotherapy for that matter.
In my opinion, it is best to make sure that he is comfortable in his last days. Has has lived his life, and some times, the best and bravest thing to do would be to let go.
I hope you will find the strength to face the eventuality.
Kind regards.
There is no effective treatment for end stage Hepatocellular carcinoma.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXX,
I am really sorry to know your father's condition.
Dealing with cancers is a huge burden emotionally for everyone.
17x10 cm tumour in the liver is quite a large one and with that size it is highly likely that the cancer has spread to other organs as well, even if the CT scan does not show any spread to the lungs, there will be minute metastasis.
If the tunour is very small and confined to liver, then surgery can get rid of the tumour completely.
In your father's case, it is highly unlikely that he can even withstand a surgery or chemotherapy for that matter.
In my opinion, it is best to make sure that he is comfortable in his last days. Has has lived his life, and some times, the best and bravest thing to do would be to let go.
I hope you will find the strength to face the eventuality.
Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sir,
Read your answer, One thing I want to know that seven months earlier we had got C T Scan report and there is no change in the size of largest lesion it is same 17*10 cm. In this case all other organs are functioning normal except ascites .why the tumour size did not rise or any other development occurred. Sir pl advice .
Read your answer, One thing I want to know that seven months earlier we had got C T Scan report and there is no change in the size of largest lesion it is same 17*10 cm. In this case all other organs are functioning normal except ascites .why the tumour size did not rise or any other development occurred. Sir pl advice .
Brief Answer:
Overall the tumour size may remain same because of necrosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXXX
Thank your writing back to me.
The tumour size may remain constant if there is necrosis and cell death that usually happens in the center of a large mass because the blood supply will not be sufficient in the center of the mass.
Other reason may be due to formation of thick fibrous capsule around the tumour.
Unless the tumour disappears completely, you can not assume that it is getting any better, ascitis is the indicator that the situation is getting progressively worse and not better.
I wish I could tell you otherwise, but this is how it is.
Please write back if you have nay further queries or doubts.
Kind regards
Overall the tumour size may remain same because of necrosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXXX
Thank your writing back to me.
The tumour size may remain constant if there is necrosis and cell death that usually happens in the center of a large mass because the blood supply will not be sufficient in the center of the mass.
Other reason may be due to formation of thick fibrous capsule around the tumour.
Unless the tumour disappears completely, you can not assume that it is getting any better, ascitis is the indicator that the situation is getting progressively worse and not better.
I wish I could tell you otherwise, but this is how it is.
Please write back if you have nay further queries or doubts.
Kind regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sir, thanks for your kind and descriptive reply .what can you advice for lack of energy and swelling so that he can get relief for rest of his life and something from your great experience to enhance his activities such as having food or any strength building medicine.
Regards and thanks again.
Regards and thanks again.
Brief Answer:
Tasty food with moderate amounts of proteins and sugars.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXX,
I would like to tell you that in such conditions, it is not possible to advice anything specific without a complete understanding of the case which requires a through clinical examination and review of investigations.
The general guidelines for diet include.
1. Moderate amounts of proteins, too much proteins in the diet may put extra load on the already compromised liver.
2. Sufficient amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), this will improve the energy levels and will not put load on liver, so you can include plain table sugar.
3. Give smaller meals more frequently.
Apart from this, you should get his kidney function and liver function tests, including albumin and globulin levels, and if the albumin levels are low (which is usually the case and cause for ascitis), supplemental albumin infusion can be given by a doctor so that edema reduces.
If there is pain, morphine can be used for pain relief, please ask the oncologist for the same.
I hope this answers your query, you can write back to me if you have further concerns, I will be happy answer them.
Regards
Tasty food with moderate amounts of proteins and sugars.
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXX,
I would like to tell you that in such conditions, it is not possible to advice anything specific without a complete understanding of the case which requires a through clinical examination and review of investigations.
The general guidelines for diet include.
1. Moderate amounts of proteins, too much proteins in the diet may put extra load on the already compromised liver.
2. Sufficient amounts of carbohydrates (sugars), this will improve the energy levels and will not put load on liver, so you can include plain table sugar.
3. Give smaller meals more frequently.
Apart from this, you should get his kidney function and liver function tests, including albumin and globulin levels, and if the albumin levels are low (which is usually the case and cause for ascitis), supplemental albumin infusion can be given by a doctor so that edema reduces.
If there is pain, morphine can be used for pain relief, please ask the oncologist for the same.
I hope this answers your query, you can write back to me if you have further concerns, I will be happy answer them.
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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