If you’ve been diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer, it means that the cancer has spread from the liver to nearby lymph nodes or other organs in your body. While this can be a very serious diagnosis, there are steps you can take to help improve your outlook and find the best treatment options for your specific situation.
The first step in determining your prognosis is to understand how the disease is classified. While there are a number of different staging systems in use, most doctors will use the TNM (Tumor, Node, and Metastasis) system to classify your cancer.
Stages for cancer are based on how big the tumor is, whether it has spread to other parts of your body, and if there are any symptoms you may be experiencing. A doctor can determine your stage by using a blood test to check for certain proteins that are produced by your tumor. The results of this test can give a clear picture of your cancer, and the information can be used to determine which treatment you will need.
A doctor will also look at your medical history and perform a physical exam to assess your condition. The exam will include a complete blood count and a CT scan of your abdomen to see if the cancer has grown into other parts of your body.
Liver cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, as the tumors can grow without causing any symptoms. This is why it’s important to visit your doctor regularly for screenings. Your doctor can examine you for any unusual signs or symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed.
The five-year survival rate for stage 4 liver cancer varies greatly depending on your individual circumstances and how aggressive the cancer is. This is why it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and fatigue, as well as how to cope with any other problems that you might be facing.
Once the cancer has spread to the lungs or bones, it is considered metastatic and cannot be treated with surgery. In this case, the patient can consider chemoembolization or targeted therapy to slow the growth of the tumor. Your doctor may also offer therapies focused on easing the symptoms of the disease, such as pain and loss of appetite.
When you are in stage 4 liver cancer, the main goal of treatment is to control the progression of the disease. While it will not be able to cure your cancer, it can help you live longer and increase the quality of your life. Some of these treatments can be used alone or in combination with other medications, including chemotherapy and drugs that stimulate the immune system to attack the cancer cells. In some cases, you will be given hormones to control the production of hormones that can encourage your cancer to grow. You will need to undergo regular follow-up visits with your doctor as he or she will monitor the condition of your liver and make changes to your treatment plan if needed.
