Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells start to develop and grow in the liver. The cancer could be due to alcoholism, or the spread of cancer from other parts of the body, and there are some medical treatments that have proven to be effective. However, some individuals choose to undergo alternative treatments for liver cancer if they are opposed to conventional medicine and would prefer more natural or plant-based treatments.
Heat Treatment
Some patients choose to destroy the cancerous cells with intense heat. An electric current gets rid of the cancer cells as the doctor uses an ultrasound machine and a needle is injected into the abdomen. Laser procedures also deliver heat to the liver area, but this method uses an optical fiber that is inserted into the liver with a laser beam at the end to get rid of cancerous cells.
Injections
Some patients may also opt to receive alcohol injections. The alcohol will remove impurities from the body and cause the cancer cells to dry out and die over time. This treatment is usually recommended for patients that are in the earlier stages of liver cancer, since the injections will work quickly and efficiently when there are less cancer cells.
Cryoablation
In cryoablation, liver cancer cells are frozen. The doctor will use ultrasound photos to determine the exact location of the cells in the liver and will administer cryoprobe that contains liquid nitrogen directly on the cancer cells. This will make the cells inactive and destroy them. This treatment can be performed on its own if the cancer is treated early, but patients in the advanced stages of the condition can take advantage of cryoablation in conjunction with liver cancer surgery and chemotherapy.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
In the advanced stages of liver cancer, some patients may opt to undergo acupressure and acupuncture in order to relieve the pain and discomfort that is associated with the disease. Pressure points throughout the body that will reduce inflammation in the liver are addressed, and these processes can reduce the need for further pain medication. Specialized medical massages, administered by a physical therapist, may also be helpful in taking away some of the swelling that is common in patients with liver cancer. These procedures can be performed after liver cancer surgery.
Supplementation
Some alternative health doctors may prescribe herbal supplements to liver cancer patients. Many of the herbs are also used in detox treatments and will cause some stress to the liver while removing the impurities but can help the body get rid of cancer cells. Milk thistle is an important herb to promote liver health, as well as burdock and dandelion root.
Tags: cancer cells, liver cancer, liver cancer, advanced stages, cancer surgery, cancerous cells, liver cancer surgery