100 Questions & Answers About Liver Cancer

by Abou-Alfa, Ghassan K., M.D.; DeMatteo, Ronald P., M.D.

• ISBN13: 9780763747541
• ISBN10: 0763747548
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-07
• Publisher: Jones & Bartlett

Summary

Whether you're a newly diagnosed liver cancer patient, a survivor, or a friend or relative of either, this book offers help. The only text to provide the doctor's and patient's/caregiver's views, 100

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgment	viii
Paul's Story	ix
Part 1: The Basics	1	(6)
Questions 1-4 provide information on all the basics about the liver and liver cancer, including:
What is the liver?
What is liver cancer?
Are there different types of liver cancer?
Part 2: Risk Factors	7	(10)
Questions 5-15 discuss the risks of developing liver failure (cirrhosis) and cancer, including:
Is hepatocellular cancer common?
Who is at risk of developing liver cancer?
What is liver cirrhosis?
Part 3: Screening	17	(4)
Questions 16-20 address who should be screened for liver cancer and what tests you might need, including:
Who should be screened for liver cancer?
Why is screening for liver cancer performed?
What does screening entail?
Part 4: Diagnosis and Staging	21	(8)
Questions 21-26 discuss what you would feel or complain of if you have liver cancer, as well as how your doctor will know if you have liver cancer, including:
What are the symptoms of liver cancer?
Are the symptoms of liver cancer different in a patient with cirrhosis?
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
Part 5: Coping with the Diagnosis	29	(8)
Questions 27-33 answer questions about how to live with liver cancer, including:
How long do people live with liver cancer?
Does cirrhosis influence the treatment of liver cancer and the quality and length of life?
What is multidisciplinary care?
Part 6: Treatment	37	(48)
Questions 33-79 offer information on all the therapies that are available to you to treat your liver cancer, including:
What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
Who decides what therapy I should receive?
What determines whether a tumor can be removed?
Part 7: Cancer-Related Practical Issues	85	(10)
Questions 80-86 address dealing with liver cancer on a day-to-day basis, including:
I feel overwhelmed by all the information that I am receiving. How do I make any decisions regarding my treatment?
Part 8: Cirrhosis-Related Practical Issues	95	(8)
Questions 87-93 provide practical advice about managing all the complications of liver failure (cirrhosis), including:
My legs and/or my abdomen are swollen. What can I do about it?
What is meant when my platelets are low?
Part 9: Social and End-of-Life Issues	103	(10)
Questions 94-100 explore all the options that are available for support, or in case all therapies fail, including:
Can my liver cancer be transmitted to my family?
Can I work while getting treated?
What if my doctors suggest stopping my current therapy? What is the best supportive care?
Glossary	113	(8)
Index	121