Liver Cancer
The liver is the largest of our internal organs, and has four lobes, and sits just beneath the right lung. Liver cancer begins in liver cells, most commonly cells called hepatocytes. Radiation is among the many treatment options for liver cancer.
Why proton therapy?
Treating liver cancer with radiation takes precision- a tricky proposition, given the liver’s proximity to the colon, lungs. and other critical organs. Proton beams can deliver higher doses of targeted radiation to the more difficult to reach areas of the liver, with much less risk of side effects, including damage to surrounding tissue. The narrow proton beam focuses the highest dose of radiation on the tumor, and can even conform to its shape, which means other vital structures are less likely to be exposed to radiation. With traditional radiation therapy, the risk for damage to surrounding tissue is much greater. X-rays also leave an exit dose of radiation when exiting the body. Protons stop at the tumor.
Liver cancer facts
Liver cancer is not nearly as common in the United States as it is in other countries, but nearly 30,000 Americans die from it annually. Liver cancers are not typically found early because symptoms usually do not appear until later stages of the disease. Heavy alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity, and type 2 diabetes are liver cancer risk factors.
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