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Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
About me
Anhui Medical University Luan Hospital Cancer Center Surgery, Master's student.
Proficient in diseases
Specializes in gastrointestinal tumors, breast tumors, superficial benign and malignant masses.
Voices
What to do about liver metastasis from transverse colon cancer?
Liver metastasis in transverse colon cancer is relatively common, especially in cases where the disease has progressed. Because the transverse colon is located close to the liver region, tumors in this area can potentially metastasize to the liver via the lymphatic or blood circulation, or through local infiltration. In cases where the liver metastasis is localized, there is still an opportunity for surgical treatment involving a radical resection of the transverse colon cancer combined with partial hepatectomy. If there are multiple metastases in the liver, radical surgery may not be feasible. Initially, preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy or targeted therapy is performed. If the liver metastatic lesions can be reduced or disappear, there may still be a chance for surgical treatment afterwards.
The difference between primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer.
Primary liver cancer generally refers to tumors whose cancer cells originate from the liver itself or from the intrahepatic bile ducts. Secondary liver cancer usually refers to cancer that has metastasized to the liver from other parts of the body, which is the main difference between the two. Additionally, primary liver cancer might progress rapidly, potentially resulting in a short survival time, especially in cases of large, inoperable tumors, where most survival times range from half a year to about a year. In contrast, secondary liver cancer might have a longer survival time, and initial symptoms are generally milder. Also, tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tend to be higher in primary liver cancer, whereas in secondary liver cancer, this marker may be normal.
Is minimally invasive surgery suitable for transverse colon cancer?
Transverse colon cancer can also be considered for minimally invasive surgical treatment. The main procedure involves a complete resection of the transverse colon, and sometimes, it may require the resection of part of other organs. For instance, if the cancer has invaded the splenic region of the colon, a splenectomy may be necessary. If there is invasion into the liver area, partial liver resection may be needed. In cases where minimally invasive surgery is not suitable or inconvenient, it is also possible to switch to open surgery. The goal is to completely remove the tumor. Whether minimally invasive or traditional surgery is used, it is just a method of operation. Additionally, postoperative adjunct chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatments are necessary.
What are the symptoms of transverse colon cancer?
Transverse colon cancer is a type of colon cancer, belonging to malignant tumors of the digestive system. The main symptoms may include rectal bleeding, narrower stools, increased frequency of defecation, diarrhea, and it may also cause constipation. For instance, if the tumor in the transverse colon is large enough to block the intestinal lumen, it could lead to difficulty in defecating. Constipation or even signs of intestinal obstruction could occur. Generally, a diagnosis can be confirmed through an endoscopic biopsy. After diagnosis, transverse colon cancer can be treated surgically, primarily through curative surgery, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and other comprehensive treatments.
Late stage survival of transverse colon cancer
Late-stage colon cancer can still potentially allow for a relatively long survival time, such as living more than one year, two years, or even three to five years. Of course, this also depends on the treatment provided. Generally, it may not be possible to perform curative surgery directly in the advanced stages, but preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and so on, can be administered first. If these treatments can reduce the size of the tumor and lower its stage, there could still be a chance for surgical treatment later. Clinically, if there is no recurrence after more than five years, it is considered to have achieved a clinically curative effect. For instance, surpassing five years can possibly mean extending survival beyond ten years or even longer. However, treatment for late-stage patients needs to be adjusted as it proceeds, and it is impossible to specifically determine how long one can live.
Can advanced colorectal cancer be cured?
Complete cure is often difficult to achieve in the middle and late stages of colorectal cancer. Of course, it is possible to control the progression of the lesion and then prolong survival. For middle and late-stage colorectal cancer, if the treatment is reasonable or effective, it is possible to survive for more than three years, five years, or even longer. Clinically, surviving more than five years without recurrence is considered a clinical cure. Of course, there is still a possibility of recurrence after five years, but the probability of recurrence will be much lower. If one can survive more than ten years, or even 20 years without recurrence, it is basically considered a cure, but regular check-ups are still necessary afterward, as it cannot be guaranteed that there will be no recurrence. For the middle and late stages of colorectal cancer, surgical treatment should be pursued whenever possible, followed by a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy after surgery.
The difference between primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer
Primary liver cancer, also commonly referred to as liver cancer, originates in the liver itself and is not transferred from other parts of the body. Secondary liver cancer occurs when the primary tumor originates in another location and then metastasizes to the liver, causing hepatic space-occupying lesions; this is referred to as secondary liver cancer. The main difference between the two types is their origin. Additionally, primary liver cancer is often solitary but may develop intrahepatic or distant metastases as the disease progresses. In cases of secondary liver cancer, multiple intrahepatic metastatic lesions may be discovered at the onset. Moreover, primary liver cancer may often display an elevated alpha-fetoprotein tumor marker, whereas this marker might be normal in secondary liver cancer.
Can primary liver cancer be treated?
Primary liver cancer is also treatable. Generally, if the primary liver cancer is small and has not widely metastasized, surgical resection can be considered, mainly involving hepatectomy and lymph node dissection. Postoperative comprehensive treatment including chemotherapy and radiotherapy is also applied. For primary liver cancer, interventional chemotherapy, as well as methods like cryotherapy, microwave, and ablation can be considered to control the progression of the disease. Additionally, oral targeted therapy such as sorafenib can be used. If primary liver cancer is widely metastasized at the time of detection, there generally aren’t very effective treatment options, and the average survival period might be around six months, with poor treatment outcomes.
Can primary liver cancer patients eat eggs?
Patients with primary liver cancer can also eat eggs, as there are no specific prohibitions against it. Eggs are a high-protein food. While many people worry that eating eggs might increase the burden on the liver, there is actually no need for concern. If a patient has a good appetite and can eat well, consuming some eggs to increase protein intake can help enhance body resistance and support antitumor treatment. In addition to eggs, liver cancer patients should also consume other high-quality proteins such as fish and protein powder. These are all beneficial. Of course, the choice should also be based on the patient's own preferences. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits.
What can people with primary liver cancer eat?
Primary liver cancer, commonly referred to as liver cancer, is a type of malignant tumor of the digestive system. As for diet, there are generally no specific prohibitions. However, it is recommended to stick to a light and easily digestible diet. High-protein foods and high-quality proteins, such as fish, eggs, and protein powder, are very good options. It is best to avoid spicy, pickled, smoked, or grilled foods, as these are not conducive to health. Also, any food that is clearly moldy should definitely be avoided. The main causes of primary liver cancer include infection with aflatoxin and contaminated drinking water, which are two main causes of primary liver cancer. Other causes, like hepatitis virus infections, are also major contributors to primary liver cancer.