What is Transarterial Chemoembolization: We are in the generation where the medical field regularly brings out new treatments for people around us. Undoubtedly, so many medical treatments are available helpful for individuals in getting rid of the chronic conditions they might be dealing with. Likewise, here we are discussing what is transarterial chemoembolization. Keep reading till the last to know about it!
What is Transarterial Chemoembolization?
As we all know, embolization is a process helpful in blocking or slowing down the blood flow to the tissues or a particular organ. This is helpful in preventing the blood flow to the tumour, which as a result let the cancer cells die. The equipment in use during the embolization process also uses the chemotherapy drugs to treat the cancer cells, hence it is turned out as transarterial chemoembolization.
In general, transarterial chemoembolization is a specific type of chemoembolization helpful in blocking the hepatic artery to treat liver cancer.
Liver cancer cells are among the fast-growing cells, and these can develop in new blood vessels as well. The blood vessels get most of the blood supply with the help of the hepatic artery, and the rest of the liver tissue derived blood from the portal vein. To stop this prognosis, doctors consider blocking the hepatic artery, and this does not show any effect on the rest of the liver apart from the vessel having a tumor.
Doctors consider offering transarterial chemoembolization in case the liver is functioning well, and there is no fluid in the abdomen and no clots in the portal vein as well. Majorly doctors consider this treatment when they cannot remove the liver tumor with the help of surgery.
Before getting a liver transplant, there is a possibility for the doctor suggests patients go for it so that there will be no problem throughout the liver transplantation process.
If anyone is looking forward to getting the chemoembolization process or treatment for liver link conditions, they can reach out to Dr. Nikhil Bansal. He is one of the best Interventional Radiologist in Jaipur people can approach and get the treatment.
How Do Doctors Perform Transarterial Chemoembolization?
In order to perform this process, doctor sends the patient to the x-ray department of the hospital. There, they receive the anesthesia and medications that help them to relax throughout the process.
After that, doctors use a thin, flexible tube “catheter” into the artery in the groin region and move the catheter through the artery until it reaches the hepatic artery in the liver.
In the tube, they insert a dye and take the x-ray to find out the branches of the artery that are feeding the liver.
After figuring out the branches that are feeding the liver, doctors insert a drug into the same tube to block the blood flow functionality of them.
Side effects of Transarterial Chemoembolization:
Whenever a person is going for liver cancer treatment, they need to understand the side effects as well.
Side effects are very common after any treatment for liver and especially jaundice and other condition. In most cases, people may experience liver cirrhosis and feeling of nausea and vomiting. But do understand these side effects are for some time. However, after the treatment is over, you will be able to get rid of them.
Along with that, the side effects that are in link with chemotherapy also exist. So, a patient needs to be sure about them as well.
This was all about transarterial chemoembolization, and we hope right now you are aware of it. In case there is any doubt, you are having a discussion with the doctor so that he can suggest you the process in detail.
Also Read This:
वैरिकोसील (Varicocele) क्या है?
Does Radiofrequency Ablation Get Rid of Varicose Veins?
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Know its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Peripheral arterial Disease : पैरों में दर्द से हो सकती है इस बीमारी की शुरुआत!
FAQ: What is Transarterial Chemoembolization
Q. 1 What exactly is the TACE chemotherapy method?
Ans: TACE is the process of destroying cancer cells by using medications that are poisonous to cancer cells. A treatment that is administered straight into the liver is called chemoembolization. You administer the chemotherapy directly into the blood vessel that is supplying the tumor with nutrients.
Q. 2 Is chemoembolization effective in curing cancer of the liver?
Ans: It is possible to utilize chemoembolization as a stand-alone treatment. Or it may be combined with other medical procedures such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or radiofrequency ablation. Although chemoembolization is effective in treating liver cancer. But it is not a cure for the disease. It has the potential to alleviate the symptoms of serious sickness and the stress that comes along with it.
Q. 3 Is TACE a risk-free method of treatment?
Ans: TACE is both safe and effective in treating HCC in extremely elderly individuals. It is not associated with a lower rate of survival or an increased risk of complications.
Q. 4 Is the embolization of the liver a painful procedure?
Ans: It is possible that the puncture site is the region where the catheter was inserted through your skin and into your artery. This will be painful for the first day or two after the treatment. You should expect to have a bruise for at least a week after the incident. You may have symptoms similar to those of influenza (the flu). This includes feeling weary, having a slight fever, and having an unsettled stomach.