Can Advanced Liver and Lung Cancer Be Cured?

In the field of clinical medicine, it is widely accepted that advanced liver and lung cancer cannot be completely cured. However, various medical interventions can significantly reduce patient discomfort and improve overall quality of life during the later stages of the disease.

For patients with advanced liver cancer, severe pain in the liver area is a common symptom. Additionally, if the cancer has metastasized to the lungs, it may lead to a buildup of fluid in the chest cavity, causing shortness of breath. In such cases, periodic thoracentesis—a procedure to remove excess fluid under local anesthesia—can be performed to relieve these symptoms.

When primary liver tumors spread throughout the abdominal cavity, they often result in ascites, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Similar to thoracentesis, intermittent abdominal fluid drainage through paracentesis can help manage this condition. Alongside this, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary as some patients are at risk of developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Nutritional support is also an important aspect of palliative care for these patients. If a patient's financial situation allows, intravenous administration of plasma or human albumin can help improve plasma colloid osmotic pressure, which may reduce fluid leakage into body cavities and improve general well-being.

While a complete cure may not be possible at this stage, symptom management and supportive care play a crucial role in maintaining patient comfort. These treatments aim to provide relief and enhance daily living, making it essential for healthcare providers to tailor interventions to each individual's needs.