Neuroendocrine and Carcinoid Tumors of the Liver
Gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors are a form of neuroendocrine cancer that can develop in (or spread to) the liver. Although it’s more common for these tumors to develop in the small intestine, pancreas, colon, stomach and later progress to the liver, it is also possible for these tumors to originate in the liver.
Treating Neuroendocrine Carcinoid Tumors
It’s important for oncologists to not only determine the cancer’s site of origin, but also determine:
- How quickly the tumors are spreading
- Whether they are functioning (hormone-producing) or non-functioning (non-hormone-producing)
- Whether the tumors are present in just one lobe of the liver or both
- How the patient has responded to previous treatments, if applicable
- The underlying liver health and function
At the Texas Liver Tumor Center, our multidisciplinary team conducts a collaborative evaluation of each patient to ensure that every influencing factor is taken into consideration. During our unique, one-day patient evaluation process, imaging scans and diagnostic tests are performed in the morning, treatment discussions and consultations are scheduled throughout the afternoon, and by the end of the day, the patient has a fully developed plan in place for treating his or her gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.
To learn more about our approach to treating neuroendocrine carcinoid tumors of the liver, contact us today.Colorectal Liver Metastasis
A colorectal liver metastasis occurs when cancer that initially develops in the colon or rectum spreads to the liver. As cancerous cells reproduce, they often grow into nearby tissues and lymph nodes.
While treating cancer of any kind is a complex process, treating a colorectal liver metastasis requires an especially high level of expertise in a fully collaborative setting. That’s because surgery may not always be an appropriate treatment method, and an individualized combination of other treatments is often necessary.Cancer treatments that destroy cells throughout the entire body – which is necessary when treating a colorectal liver metastasis – are called systemic treatments. At the Texas Liver Tumor Center, our oncologists expertly combine systemic and targeted treatments to help manage metastatic colorectal cancers. As many advances have occurred in this field, we aim to bring state of the art knowledge and treatment directly to patients.
Treating a Colorectal Liver Metastasis
Our oncologists treat this condition by:
- Considering our broad spectrum of clinical trials to determine if any current studies are exploring new treatment options for colorectal liver metastases
- Conducting a multidisciplinary meeting to evaluate every possible treatment option in a collaborative, team-based environment
- Completing any advanced imaging scans or diagnostic tests that can provide additional information about where (and how far) a tumor has spread
Gallbladder Cancer
As the name suggests, gallbladder cancer is a malignancy that develops in the gallbladder – a small, pear-shaped organ that sits just beneath the liver. The gallbladder’s function is to store the digestive fluids produced by the liver until they are ready to be distributed in the small intestine. Because of the organ’s proximity to the liver, gallbladder cancer often spreads (metastasizes) to the liver.
Even when gallbladder cancer spreads to the liver, it is still considered gallbladder cancer because the cancerous cells are the same as those that made up the original gallbladder tumor. However, if a gallbladder tumor spreads to the liver, patients may wish to receive treatment from an oncologist who specializes in treating liver tumors. This is because the liver has several unique features – such as its ability to regenerate after surgery – that can influence treatment. Oncologists who specialize in treating liver tumors can consider these unique factors to provide patients with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plans.
At the Texas Liver Tumor Center, our team treats a full range of conditions, including metastatic gallbladder cancer. We offer today’s most advanced therapies, including:
- Tumor resection surgery (surgery to remove one or more cancerous tumors)
- Liver surgery (surgery to remove part of the liver)
- Lymphadenectomy (surgery to remove the lymph nodes, through which cancer can spread to distant organs)
- Chemotherapy (medication-based treatment to destroy cancerous cells)
- Internal and external beam radiation therapy (particle-based treatments to target liver tumors)
- Other novel options, such as immunotherapy, which is accessible through our clinical trials portfolio
Through our one-day patient evaluation process, in which patients come to the Texas Liver Tumor Center in the morning and leave at the end of the day with a carefully designed treatment plan in place, we can eliminate much of the uncertainty that accompanies a metastatic gallbladder cancer diagnosis. With several of the nation’s most highly regarded liver tumor experts collaborating on each patient’s case, the Texas Liver Tumor Center is a premier destination for comprehensive care.
If you have been diagnosed with metastatic gallbladder cancer and would like to schedule an appointment at the Texas Liver Tumor Center, contact us today.
Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed in advanced stages. When the cancer involves the abdomen and peritoneum as well as segments of the liver a broad approach is needed. Extensive surgical treatment is considered to improve both quality of life and life expectancy. Additionally, systemic treatment with chemotherapy is offered through standard or study treatment protocols.
Lung Cancer Metastasis
Lung cancer commonly spreads to the liver. Previously, little could be done in these circumstances. Recent approval of targeted systemic therapy and immunotherapy has changed that paradigm. In cases where there are one or few liver lesions, targeted radiotherapy is showing promise. We carefully consider everyone and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.