Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in Thailand, especially in men who are twice as likely to be at risk compared to women. Data from the National Cancer Institute reports that over 20,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, with up to 16,000 deaths per year. Liver cancer often shows no symptoms in the early stages, causing tumor detection to usually occur after the disease has progressed. Annual health check-ups are therefore important as they help detect problems early and increase the chances of timely treatment.
Liver cancer can be caused by several factors
- Being a carrier of hepatitis B virus
- Infection with hepatitis C virus
- Infection with liver fluke parasites
- Continuous alcohol consumption
- Eating food containing aflatoxins (toxins found in peanuts or poorly stored food)
Common symptoms
Each patient may show different symptoms. Patients should consult a doctor if they experience any of the following:
- Loss of appetite, bloating, frequent indigestion or fullness
- Fatigue, rapid weight loss
- Pain under the right rib cage, palpable hard lump in that area
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal swelling, or swelling in both legs
Targeted liver cancer treatment with TACE
TACE, or Transarterial Chemoembolization, is a modern liver cancer treatment that allows chemotherapy to directly reach the tumor tissue without surgery. It involves using a catheter through the blood vessels to the tumor, then releasing chemotherapy drugs to destroy cancer cells while blocking the blood vessels supplying the tumor. This causes the tumor to be deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tumor shrinkage and slowing disease progression.
Who is suitable for TACE treatment
- Those who cannot undergo surgery due to large or multiple tumors
- Tumors that have ruptured causing heavy bleeding
- Patients with insufficient normal liver tissue remaining for surgery
- Those who want to reduce tumor size in preparation for future surgery or liver transplantation
Advantages of TACE treatment
- Reduces side effects as chemotherapy acts directly on the tumor without affecting other organs
- Increases treatment effectiveness by targeting chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, causing tumor shrinkage
- Slows disease progression by inhibiting tumor growth and reducing tumor size, increasing chances for surgery or liver transplantation in the future
Liver cancer is a controllable disease if detected and treated correctly and timely. Annual health check-ups are important to help you detect abnormalities early. TACE is an innovative treatment that focuses chemotherapy directly on the tumor, reducing unnecessary side effects and avoiding complex surgery. If you or someone close to you suspects a risk of liver cancer or is looking for an effective treatment option, TACE may be a suitable choice to help restore quality of life.
Starting with a consultation with a specialist doctor is an important first step to assess whether TACE is appropriate for you. The doctor will provide personalized treatment recommendations based on your condition and health. Do not let hesitation be a barrier to treatment. Consult a liver cancer specialist at Phyathai Nawamin Hospital, Tel. 02-944-7111.
TACE targets liver cancer precisely
Reduces surgery and side effects
Gives you a chance to regain a strong life again
