LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Liver: Liver Tumors
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For most metastatic tumors to the liver, systemic chemotherapy directed at the tumor type is offered. But metastases from some cancers may be approached in a different way. Occasionally, metastases to the liver are localized in one part of the liver or exist as solitary masses. Such tumors may be surgically removed with a possibility of achieving a cure, particularly with metastases from colon, kidney cancers or sarcoma. Generally, no more than four tumors are removed from the liver.... Removing more than four metastases rarely results in a cure and exposes the patient to significant surgical risks.
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Saint Louis University Hospital acquired its first CyberKnife System in 2004 and has been using it to treat tumors in the brain, lung, pancreas and liver. A Certificate of Need (CON) meeting in Jefferson City, Mo., approved the hospital's purchase of a second CyberKnife System. Along with 36 other states, Missouri law requires hospitals to secure a Certificate of Need (CON) by demonstrating there is an unmet need for particular capital equipment or expansion before permission can be granted.
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Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat patients with liver tumors that are unresectable (unable to be surgically removed). In the procedure, doctors insert a thin electrode (or needle) into the center of the tumor, using a CAT scan or ultrasound to accurately guide the needle. The electrode is connected to a generator and as the electric current passes from the electrode tip to a grounding pad, the tumor is destroyed through heat. One month later, a CAT scan is used to determine if the procedure was successful. Repeat treatments can be given until the tumor is eliminated.
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The first liver transplant was performed in 1963, and today the operation has become common, with the majority of patients surviving the dangerous first year. In 1994 a bioartificial liver, part cloned liver cells, part machine, was used; it's kind of like a kidney dialysis machine, and can support patients with liver failure who are waiting for transplants. In addition, a liver can regenerate, and up to 75% of it can be safely removed and will grow back again. This procedure, called liver resection, provides a way to cure patients with tumors of the liver.
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No completely accurate screening test for liver cancer exists. Doctors sometimes use a blood test that checks for the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) — a type of protein not normally found in adults — to screen people at high risk of the disease. But the test isn't perfect. Not all malignant liver tumors produce AFP, and those that do may be advanced by the time protein levels become elevated. In addition, other types of cancer and even some noncancerous liver diseases can raise AFP levels.
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Hepatic adenomas (huh-pat-ic ad-uh-noh-muhs) are benign tumors that start from the main type of liver cells (hepatocytes). Most do not cause symptoms and do not need treatment. But if they cause stomach pain, a mass in the belly (abdomen), or blood loss, they may need to be removed.
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Liver Tumors