Abdominal MRI Santa Fe:
When you hear abdominal MRI and cancer, most people automatically assume that it will be used to detect tumors and pinpoint the location of cancer — but this is not the only use for an abdominal MRI Santa Fe, NM residents can take advantage of. Abdominal MRI can also be used to pinpoint the location of liver tumors, making chemoembolization, or chemoembolization with hepatic arterial infusion, a highly effective treatment option for localized liver cancer in Santa Fe, NM.
What are the benefits of chemoembolization?
Chemoembolization is not a cure, but it can be used as an effective treatment for those with liver cancer. Chemoembolization targets liver cancer — more specifically, cancer that originated in the liver or spread there from other areas in the body. Unlike surgery, chemoembolization does not remove any of your organs. Instead, it blocks off a small blood vessel so that chemotherapy medication can kill the tumor cells before they start growing again.
How does it work?
Chemoembolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided therapy that delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver tumor. This allows doctors and patients to avoid the side effects associated with typical chemotherapies. Unlike other therapies, the treatment doesn’t require opening up the abdomen or drilling into organs. Learn more about this unique procedure at Abdominal MRI Santa Fe for targeted cancer treatments.
Where do patients go for treatment?
At Abdominal MRI Santa Fe, our staff is dedicated to helping diagnose and treat cancer as well as providing peace of mind. Some patients may have an initial discussion with their doctor about chemoembolization for liver cancer. We can then determine if the patient is a candidate for this type of therapy or not, and move on from there. If they are suitable, the next step is to set up an initial consultation with one of our physicians here in our clinic. At that visit, we can do an abdominal MRI at Santa Fe (which will reveal any other potential cancers) as well as discuss options for chemoembolization in a more specific manner.
When can I resume normal activities?
You should be able to resume normal activities two days after treatment. You may experience some discomfort or fatigue for a few days, but this should pass quickly. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting during the first week after your treatment.
What should I expect during my recovery period?
After the procedure, you will be closely monitored for about 24 hours. You may experience some pain or discomfort in your abdomen and will probably want to lie down for a few days. You may need to wear a surgical garment called an abdominal binder that helps support the abdomen and reduce swelling. It is important not to lift anything heavy or do any vigorous activity for up to two weeks after the treatment, but most people can go back to work within two weeks of treatment.
What results can I expect?
Chemoembolization is highly effective in treating liver cancer. With the help of a family physician and an oncologist, it can be determined if chemoembolization will be the right treatment for your case. Abdominal MRI Santa Fe can detect liver tumors that are as small as 2 cm in diameter, which means that even early stages of cancer can be detected and treated with chemoembolization. More than two-thirds of patients who undergo chemoembolization are cured!