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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hi, My father is 68 years old, he has been diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, although liver biopsy showed cancerous cells, blood tests were negative for tumor markers. He has an enlarged liver with ascites, he has difficulty speaking. Lung tests were showed no signs of metastasis. My concern is he lives in East Africa, and they do not have liver specialists. Is it possible a misdiagnosis was made? What treatment do you advise at this stage?Winnie
Mon, 4 May 2015
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

If liver biopsy showed cancer cells then you must take the slide and have it reviewed at a cancer hospital and confirm the diagnosis. It is not a must for hepatocellular carcinoma to involve the lungs. Ascites and enlarged liver with biopsy proven hepatocellular carcinoma should still be considered as the diagnosis. Liver tumor markers are not necessarily raised in every patient and serve as a prognostic variable.

Treatment should first be towards curative with chemotherapy. It chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation or SIRT are available choices then please discuss at the cancer hospital close to you. Treatment depends on the size, location, number and aggressiveness of the cancer. Pain relief is also to be provided and please give him good nutrition. Please do not worry.
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Suggest Treatment For Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hi, Thanks for writing in. If liver biopsy showed cancer cells then you must take the slide and have it reviewed at a cancer hospital and confirm the diagnosis. It is not a must for hepatocellular carcinoma to involve the lungs. Ascites and enlarged liver with biopsy proven hepatocellular carcinoma should still be considered as the diagnosis. Liver tumor markers are not necessarily raised in every patient and serve as a prognostic variable. Treatment should first be towards curative with chemotherapy. It chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation or SIRT are available choices then please discuss at the cancer hospital close to you. Treatment depends on the size, location, number and aggressiveness of the cancer. Pain relief is also to be provided and please give him good nutrition. Please do not worry.