When faced with a hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer diagnosis, you want access to the most effective treatments with minimal impact on your quality of life. At the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center in Lake Forest, Irvine and Mission Viejo, our specialists provide advanced nonsurgical options for the treatment of liver cancer. These innovative therapies can target tumors directly while sparing healthy tissue, offering hope for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery or those seeking less invasive alternatives.
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Nonsurgical Liver Cancer Treatments
What Are Nonsurgical Liver Cancer Treatments?
Nonsurgical liver cancer treatments are minimally invasive procedures that destroy liver tumors without the need for major surgery. Using image-guided techniques, our specialists can precisely target cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy liver tissue. These treatments often result in fewer complications, shorter recovery times and less pain compared to traditional surgical approaches. For many patients, these therapies offer an effective alternative when surgery isn’t an option due to tumor location, liver function or overall health status.
How Do Nonsurgical Liver Cancer Treatments Work?
Our nonsurgical liver cancer treatments work by delivering targeted therapy directly to the tumor site. Using advanced imaging technology, our interventional radiologists can visualize the tumor with exceptional precision. Depending on your specific condition, we may use heat, ultrasound, radiation or targeted medication to destroy cancer cells. These treatments can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day with minimal downtime. Your treatment plan will be customized based on the size, number and location of your liver tumors, as well as your overall health status.
Ideal Candidates for Nonsurgical Liver Cancer Treatments
Nonsurgical treatments may be right for you if:
- You have early to intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
- Your tumor is difficult to reach with conventional surgery
- You have multiple small tumors throughout your liver
- Your liver function or overall health makes surgery risky
- You need therapy to shrink tumors before potential surgery
- You’re seeking treatment with less downtime and fewer complications
Nonsurgical Liver Cancer Treatment Options
Book AppointmentTransarterial Radioembolization (TARE)
TARE delivers tiny radioactive beads containing Yttrium-90 directly to the tumor through the blood vessels supplying it. These microscopic beads emit radiation that destroys cancer cells from within while sparing healthy liver tissue. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and causes minimal discomfort.
Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
TACE combines targeted chemotherapy with embolization to attack liver tumors from two directions. This dual-action approach delivers high concentrations of cancer-fighting drugs directly to the tumor while cutting off its blood supply, starving it of nutrients and oxygen needed for growth.
Microwave Ablation
Microwave ablation uses heat energy to destroy cancer cells. During this procedure, a specialized probe is inserted into the tumor under image guidance, and microwave energy creates intense heat that kills the cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
Histotripsy
Histotripsy represents the cutting edge of nonsurgical liver cancer treatment. This noninvasive technique uses focused ultrasound pulses to mechanically destroy tumor cells without affecting nearby structures, offering a radiation-free option for eligible patients.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most nonsurgical liver cancer treatments take between one to three hours to complete and are typically performed under sedation or local anesthesia. Our interventional radiologists use real-time imaging to guide the procedure with pinpoint accuracy. Following treatment, you’ll rest in our recovery area before returning home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Nonsurgical Liver Cancer Treatment Recovery
Recovery from nonsurgical treatments is typically much faster than traditional surgery. Most patients experience mild discomfort, fatigue or a low-grade fever that resolves within a few days. You can usually resume normal activities within a week, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for at least two to three weeks. Our team will schedule follow-up imaging to monitor your response to treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Ready to learn more about nonsurgical treatments for liver cancer? Contact the Orange County Interventional Radiology Center today at (949) 317-1633 to schedule a consultation with our expert team. We’ll help you understand your options and develop a personalized plan for your care.
Our Locations
Three Locations, One Commitment: Your Care
Lake Forest
29300 Portola Parkway, Suite B
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Toll Free: (800) 267-5677
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Mission Viejo
26921 Crown Valley Parkway, #120
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Toll Free: (800) 267-5677
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Irvine
18102 Sky Park Circle South, Suite D
Irvine, CA 92614
Toll Free: (800) 267-5677
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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