Cancer-Related Resources Informative and helpful resources on other Web sites for cancer patients and their caregivers 
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Liver cancer is a complicated disease that usually affects multiple organs in the body as well as the quality and length of a patient's life. However, coordinated care by a multidisciplinary team of clinician-researchers with experience and expertise in treating this kind of cancer and its related symptoms can help ensure quality of life for longer periods than have been possible in the past.
Follow-Up Care
Because cancer of the liver is difficult to control, regular follow-up care after the initial course of treatment -- including periodic imaging, liver function evaluations, and blood tests -- is very important. You should never hesitate to let members of your cancer care team know about pain or any symptoms, changes, or problems that occur after treatment.
Symptom Management
For many patients with liver cancer, control of symptoms is just as important as treatment aimed at controlling the disease. When the tumor is too widespread to be removed, palliative surgery may help prevent blockage of bile ducts and relieve symptoms such as jaundice, itching of the skin, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Hepatitis Treatment and Liver Cancer Surveillance
Some patients with liver cancer have chronic hepatitis B or C. These viruses cause chronic inflammation and scarring in the liver, which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B and C can be controlled with antiviral medications. Treatment with antiviral medications is often recommended in combination with treatment for liver cancer.
There is a high incidence of recurrence with liver cancer, even after successful treatment. Patients who have been treated for liver cancer should see their surgeon, oncologist, or other doctors for regular surveillance with imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI to determine whether the cancer has returned.
Pain Management
Some patients with liver cancer need pain-management care during the course of their treatment. Effective pain management can be key to effective therapy. Our interdisciplinary Pain and Palliative Care Service ensures that patients who have pain are identified and treated appropriately and effectively. Our Integrative Medicine Service extends this tradition by offering access to the best of complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and hypnotherapy.
Nutrition
No specific dietary recommendations are suggested for patients with liver cancer, but doctors encourage patients to eat a balanced diet and limit salt intake. Patients should minimize or eliminate alcohol use and avoid intensive treatment with herbal remedies.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Post-Treatment Resource Program provides ongoing access to nutritional information and other quality-of-life support. Our Integrative Medicine Service offers nutritional counseling within the context of a broad spectrum of healing regimens that address the mind, body, and spirit.
Integrative Medicine
In addition to helping with nutritional counseling, our Integrative Medicine Service is designed to enhance cancer patients' quality of life through healing regimens that address the body, mind, and spirit. Beneficial complementary therapies include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, visualization and other mind-body therapies, and music therapy, as well as classes such as yoga, t'ai chi, and chair aerobics.
Other Aspects of Survivorship
To help patients manage some of the other issues that may come up in survivorship, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a wide range of programs for patients, including the following:
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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Counseling Center
Our Counseling Center offers individual and family counseling sessions to help patients and their families address the problems that they may encounter in adjusting to life during and after treatment.
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Rehabilitation Therapy
Rehabilitation therapy plays an important role in improving the function and overall quality of life of patients with liver cancer. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering, physical therapists work closely with the medical team to improve patients' mobility, strength, and physical endurance following surgery or medical treatments. They offer patients valuable techniques to increase mobility without increasing pain and discomfort. Physical therapists teach patients energy conserving techniques to help decrease the fatigue they may experience during hospitalization and medical treatments. Occupational therapists educate patients about the changes they may experience during and after treatment. Patients learn about adaptive equipment and compensatory techniques that can increase their independence as they resume their daily routines. Occupational therapists also evaluate and work to enhance patients' ability to perform basic daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and moving around their environments.
See Rehabilitation for further information about our services, including appointment information.
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Help for the Older Cancer Patient
A diagnosis of cancer is difficult at any age, but older patients face unique challenges. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is committed to providing cancer patients aged 65 and older with the treatment, facilities, and support they need.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers the services of a multidisciplinary geriatric team, which includes physicians, clinical nurse specialists, social workers, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, as well as members of the Pain and Palliative Care Department and the Integrative Medicine Service. The programs and care the team provides focus on the needs of elderly cancer patients.
For more information about our services for older patients as well as for their family and friends, visit the Help for the Older Patient section of our Web site.
