100 Questions & Answers About Liver Cancer

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

• ISBN13: 9780763761745
• ISBN10: 0763761745
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-12-19
• Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning

Summary

EMPOWER YOURSELF! 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 views, 100 Questions & Answers About Liver Cancer, Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions about treatment options, post-treatment quality of life, sources of support, and much more. Written by a medical oncologist and a gastrointestinal surgeon, with actual patient commentary, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this frightening disease.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Acknowledgments	p. ix
Paul's Story	p. xi
The Basics	p. 1
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?
Risk Factors	p. 7
discuss the risks of developing liver failure (cirrhosis) and cancer, including:
Is hepatocellular cancer common?
Who is at risk for developing liver cancer?
What is liver cirrhosis?
Screening	p. 19
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?
Diagnosis and Staging	p. 25
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?
How is liver cancer diagnosed?
What is cancer staging, and why is it relevant?
Coping with the Diagnosis	p. 35
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?
Treatment	p. 43
offer information on all the therapies that are available to you to treat your liver cancer, including:
What treatment options are available for liver cancer?
Who decides what therapy I should receive?
What determines whether a tumor can be removed?
Cancer-Related Practical Issues	p. 95
address dealing with liver cancer on a day-to-day basis, including:
I feel overwhelmed by all of the information that I am receiving. How do I make any decisions regarding my treatment?
Will changing my diet alter my cancer?
What is a mediport?
Cirrhosis-Related Practical Issues	p. 105
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?
I am vomiting or passing blood and coffee-ground material in my stool. What is causing this?
Social and End-of-Life Issues	p. 113
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?
Glossary	p. 123
Index	p. 131
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.