Proton Treatment for Liver Cancer

Liver cancer includes rampant proliferation of cells lining the liver. As per the NCI (National Cancer Institute), close to 22,000 individuals suffer from this cancer form annually in the US. Despite no complete cure, doctors often use treatments like proton therapy, chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy to control the metastasis and further multiplication of the cancer cells.

Proton Therapy

• Proton therapy involves irradiating the cancer cells of the liver with high energy proton beams in order to damage them and thus prevent their further spreading.

Time Frame

• Proton therapy sessions generally take place one to two times a week for nearly five to seven weeks. However the time frame may vary depending on the internal metastasis of the cancer cells.

Benefits

• A minimally invasive treatment method, proton therapy proves especially beneficial to the elderly liver cancer patients and to those unable to undergo surgery because of heart disorders.

Effects

• Common side effects of proton therapy when used against liver cancer include soreness and inflammation of the lungs and digestive problems .Other general effects include hair loss, fatigue, skin irritations and diarrhea among others.

Warnings

• Doctors might recommend you to diminish exposure towards sun radiations and environmental toxins while undergoing proton therapy sessions.