A long-term survivor undergoing extensive microwave coagulation for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatogastroenterology. 1999 Nov-Dec;46(30):3234-6.

Abstract

Surgery for advanced hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) has not been standardized. We report on a long-term tumor-free survivor who underwent extensive microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) for multiple bilobar HCCs. A 61 year-old woman was diagnosed to have bilobar HCCs, including a large tumor, 9 cm in diameter, and 4 small satellite nodules, associated with chronic hepatitis B. The patient had received repeated chemoembolizations using iodized oil, but the increased alpha-fetoprotein level did not fall to normal. The main tumor was unresectable because the tumor involved the caval vein and hepatic veins. The patient underwent extensive MCT with a total of 134 electrode insertions. The paracaval portion of the main tumor was meticulously coagulated under sonographic guidance to avoid vascular injury. The post-operative course was uneventful. Post-operative computed tomography (CT) showed complete necrosis of all tumors. The patient is alive without tumor recurrence for 4 years after MCT. This case proves that extensive MCT can provide a chance of cure in selected patients with multiple bilobar HCCs and centrally located HCCs near the caval vein.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Angiography
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / blood
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / therapy*
  • Diathermy / methods*
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / blood
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Microwaves / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / metabolism

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins
  • Alanine Transaminase