Image-guided local and endovascular interventions may play a role in the treatment of liver tumors in selected cases.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Persistent severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Rapidly worsening jaundice and altered consciousness
- High fever and chills
What is it?
For some liver tumors, interventional radiology can be part of the oncology plan through procedures such as local treatment, embolization, biopsy, and drainage.
Symptoms
- Discomfort in the right upper abdomen
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Fatigue
Causes & risk factors
- Chronic hepatitis B and C
- Cirrhosis
- Alcohol-related and fatty liver disease
- Family history
- History of metastatic cancer
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and instrumental test results are assessed together.
- Liver ultrasound
- CT or MRI
- Blood tests and AFP
- Biopsy in selected cases
- Multidisciplinary oncology review
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, comorbidities, and procedural risk.
- Surgical treatment in selected cases
- Ablation
- TACE and other embolization procedures
- Systemic therapies
- Drainage and palliative support
How we help
At our center, liver tumors are assessed together with imaging findings and laboratory results. The interventional radiology team aligns the need for a local procedure with the oncology treatment plan.
When a procedure may be needed
Embolization and ablation may be considered when the tumor is suitable for local treatment, surgery is not possible, or support for oncological treatment is needed.
Patient checklist
- Bring discs from previous CT/MRI scans
- Provide your hepatitis and liver test results
- Report any blood-thinning medications
- Keep your oncologist's reports
FAQ
Does embolization cure cancer completely?
This depends on the type and stage of the tumor. In some cases it provides local control; in others it is part of combined treatment.
Is a biopsy always necessary?
Not always. Some liver tumors can be diagnosed with imaging, but the decision is made individually.
Last updated: