Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) is a treatment mainly used for liver cancer. This procedure targets the tumour directly by delivering chemotherapy drugs to it. A small tube, called a catheter, is inserted through an artery and guided to the liver. Once in place, the catheter releases chemotherapy directly to the tumor, maximizing its effectiveness. In addition to the drugs, TACE also blocks the blood vessels that supply the tumour. This process is called embolisation, and it helps cut off the tumour’s blood supply and its oxygen and nutrient supply. Without these, the tumour starts to shrink and its growth slows down.
TACE is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires only small incisions and typically has a shorter recovery time. A specialist in interventional radiology usually does it. Patients who undergo TACE can often return home within a day or two. This treatment offers a targeted way to fight liver cancer, with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Before TACE is considered, patients often show symptoms of liver cancer, such as:
Weight loss without trying
Loss of appetite
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
General weakness and fatigue
Swelling of the abdomen
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Not all patients show symptoms, especially in the early stages of liver cancer.
Liver cancer can develop due to various factors:
Chronic hepatitis B or C infections: Long-term viral infections can lead to liver damage and cancer.
Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver due to alcohol use or other liver diseases.
Fatty liver disease: Excess fat buildup in the liver.
Diabetes and obesity: These conditions increase the risk of liver cancer.
Genetics: A family history of liver cancer can increase the likelihood.
If you experience the following symptoms or risk factors, it’s important to consult a doctor:
Persistent pain in the upper abdomen or near the right shoulder blade
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Abdominal swelling
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Fatigue and weakness
If you're diagnosed with liver cancer, your doctor may recommend treatments like TACE depending on the stage and severity of the cancer.
Before TACE is considered, several diagnostic tests are used to assess the condition of the liver and the tumor:
Ultrasound: Initial imaging to detect tumors in the liver.
CT scan or MRI: To get a detailed image of the tumor’s size and location.
Blood tests: Look for liver function and tumor markers, like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Biopsy: Sometimes, a small piece of the tumor is taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Do's:
Rest after the procedure: Your body needs time to heal.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps your body flush out chemotherapy drugs.
Follow up with your doctor: Regular monitoring with imaging tests is essential to see how well the tumor is responding.
Take medications as prescribed: This will help manage any side effects, such as pain or nausea.
Eat a balanced diet: To support recovery and liver function.
Don'ts:
Avoid alcohol: It can damage your liver further and slow down recovery.
Don’t lift heavy objects or engage in strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure.
Avoid infections: Your immune system might be weakened, so avoid crowded places or contact with sick people.
Don’t skip follow-up appointments: Regular scans and blood tests help your doctor monitor your progress.
Disclaimer:
Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's essential to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.
For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:
Cleveland Clinic | Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
Canadian Cancer Society | Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for liver cancer
National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov) | Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular
Journal of Liver Cancer | Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular
.png)
Saba holds a Master’s degree in Pharmacy from Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi and possesses a deep understanding of medical subjects. She is an experienced teacher and is passionate about health education. She has a remarkable talent for transforming complex medical concepts into engaging, accurate, and impactful content to inspire healthier living. With a deep scientific understanding and thorough research, Saba consistently supports her writings with the latest publications, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
.png)
Oruge is committed to promoting health awareness through clear, research-based communication. With a background in microbiology and public health, she combines scientific accuracy with an engaging writing style to simplify complex medical topics. At VivaVel Health, she contributes insightful reviews, articles, and blogs that empower readers to make informed decisions for healthier living.
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital
Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India
Accord Superspeciality Hospital
Budena Village, Sector 86, Faridabad, Haryana 121002, India
SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram
Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana Gurgaon, 122022 India
PARAS Health, Gurugram
C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002
Dr. Pooja Agarwal
Consultant (Visiting) – Breast Surgery
General Surgeon
10 Years Experience
Manipal Hospital (E.M. Bypass), Kolkata
Dr. Pooja Agarwal stands out as one of the oncologists in Kolkata, specializing in breast cancer surgery. With over 10 years of experience, she has earned a reputatio...
Book Consultation
Dr. Harshvardhan AtreyaMedical Oncology
Medical Oncology, Cancer Care
19 Years ExperienceMedanta Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Atreya is a prominent Consultant Medical & Hemato-Oncologist specializing in Bone Marrow Transplantation. With training from esteemed institutio...
Book Consultation
Dr. Imran KhanAssociate Consultant
Oncology | Medical Oncology
12 Years ExperienceFortis Escorts Heart Institute
Dr. Imran Khan has joined Fortis Escorts in Okhla Road, New Delhi, as an Associate Consultant in Medical Oncology. He brings over 12 years of experience in oncology. ...
Book Consultation
Dr. Harit ChaturvediChairman - Max Institute Of Cancer Care
Cancer Care / Oncology, Thoracic Oncolog...
33 Years ExperienceMax Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr. Harit K Chaturvedi heads the Max Institute of Cancer Care. He has been with Max Healthcare since 2009 and has worked hard to create one of the best cancer treatme...
Book Consultation
Dr. Asit AroraSenior Director
Surgical Oncologist | Gastrointestinal &...
20 Years ExperienceMax Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr. Asit Arora is a highly regarded Surgical Gastroenterologist specializing in Gastrointestinal and Hepat-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. He is based in the Delhi N...
Book Consultation
Dr. Nikhil AgrawalSenior Director
Cancer Care / Oncology, Surgical Oncolog...
21 Years ExperienceMax Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
Dr. Nikhil Agrawal is a distinguished Gastrointestinal (GI) and Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgical Oncologist, serving as the Director of GI-HPB Surgery and Oncology at ...
Book Consultation
Treatment Plan & Cost within 2 days
Breast Cancer
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
Dr. Anjila Aneja
