Hard Mass Near the Belly Button in Advanced Liver Cancer

Q: Hard Mass Near the Belly Button in Advanced Liver Cancer

Hello： The condition has spread to other parts of the body, and there is a possibility of further growth. <br>1. <br>Whether surgical resection is possible must be determined by a specialist based on examinations such as computed tomography (CT) angiography. <br>2. <br>However, r

There is a hard lump in the lower right quadrant near the navel?

Hello, my father is a terminal liver cancer patient.
In February, he underwent surgery to remove a liver tumor, and now a hard mass has been found in the lower right area of his abdomen near the navel, which the attending physician said is located on a blood vessel and cannot be surgically removed.
The mass is about the size of an adult fist.
I would like to ask— is it really impossible to remove it? Because I have heard that embolization can be used to shrink the tumor before removal, or that radiation therapy can force the tumor to shrink.
There are also suggestions to try the new photodynamic therapy.
I hope the doctor can provide me with some advice and options.
Thank you.

Xiao Xiong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/10/31

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Hello: The condition has spread to other parts of the body, and there is a possibility of further growth.
1.
Whether surgical resection is possible must be determined by a specialist based on examinations such as computed tomography (CT) angiography.
2.
However, radiation therapy can definitely be performed as long as the patient's overall health is stable.
3.
The choice between conventional radiation therapy or a photon knife will depend on the specific needs of the condition, as assessed by a specialist.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Sih-Rong, Oncology.

Reply Date: 2006/10/31

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your father's condition. Advanced liver cancer, especially when it has metastasized, presents a complex challenge in terms of treatment options. The hard mass near the belly button that you mentioned is likely a manifestation of tumor growth or metastasis, which can occur when cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site in the liver to other areas of the body.

When a tumor is described as being "on the blood vessels" and is deemed inoperable, it typically means that the tumor is either encasing major blood vessels or is located in a position that makes surgical removal risky due to potential damage to vital structures. In such cases, the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits, especially if the cancer is advanced and the patient's overall health is compromised.

However, there are several treatment modalities that can be considered for managing advanced liver cancer and associated masses:
1. Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE): This is a common procedure for liver cancer that involves delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor while simultaneously blocking its blood supply. This can lead to tumor shrinkage and may make the tumor more amenable to surgical resection in the future.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This technique uses heat generated from radio waves to destroy cancer cells. It can be effective for small tumors and may be considered if the mass is accessible and not too large.

3. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): This is a form of radiation therapy that delivers high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue. It can be effective for tumors that are difficult to reach surgically.

4. Palliative Care: Given the advanced stage of the disease, focusing on palliative care to manage symptoms and improve quality of life is crucial. This may include pain management, nutritional support, and psychological support.

5. Clinical Trials: Depending on your father's overall health and specific circumstances, he may be eligible for clinical trials exploring new therapies or combinations of treatments that are not yet widely available.

Regarding the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), this is a newer approach that utilizes light-sensitive drugs and light exposure to kill cancer cells. While it shows promise in certain types of cancers, its effectiveness in liver cancer, particularly in advanced stages, is still under investigation.

It's essential to have a thorough discussion with your father's oncologist about the best course of action. They can provide insights based on the specific characteristics of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and the latest advancements in treatment options. Additionally, seeking a second opinion from another specialist in liver cancer can provide further clarity and options.

In summary, while the mass near the belly button may not be operable due to its location, there are various treatment strategies that can be employed to manage the condition. The focus should be on improving quality of life and potentially shrinking the tumor to make future interventions possible. Always ensure that any treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the healthcare team, considering the patient's wishes and overall health status.

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