HCC injection, in the context of liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma), refers to a specific medical procedure called percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). This technique involves the direct injection of alcohol into the tumor.
Understanding Percutaneous Ethanol Injection (PEI)
Here's a breakdown of what PEI entails:
- Purpose: To ablate or destroy liver tumor cells.
- Method: A needle is inserted through the skin (percutaneously) and guided to the tumor using imaging techniques. Then, alcohol is injected directly into the tumor.
- Mechanism: The injected alcohol dehydrates and destroys the tumor cells, leading to their death.
- Efficacy: According to the reference provided, PEI can achieve complete ablation of up to 70% of lesions that are 3 cm or smaller.
Key Aspects of HCC Injection (PEI)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Technique | Minimally invasive, performed percutaneously |
| Ablative | Designed to destroy tumor tissue |
| Targeted | Alcohol is injected directly into the tumor |
| Historical Significance | PEI was the first ablative technique used for treating HCC |
| Size Limit | Most effective for tumors ≤ 3cm in size |
| Success Rate | Up to 70% complete ablation rate for tumors ≤ 3cm |
When is PEI Considered?
PEI may be considered for patients with:
- Small HCC tumors
- Tumors not suitable for surgical removal
- Patients who cannot undergo surgery
- Recurrent HCC after prior treatments
Example of PEI use:
Imagine a patient diagnosed with a small (2cm) HCC. If surgical options are not ideal or the patient is not a candidate for surgery, PEI could be considered. The medical professional would use imaging to accurately guide the needle to the tumor and inject alcohol to destroy it.
Things to note about PEI:
- Multiple sessions may be necessary to fully ablate a tumor.
- There can be side effects associated with the procedure, which your doctor will discuss with you.
- Other ablation techniques are available and may be more appropriate depending on individual circumstances.
In conclusion, HCC injection, specifically referencing percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), is a treatment method where alcohol is injected directly into liver tumors to destroy them, primarily used for small tumors, and was a pioneer in ablative techniques for HCC treatment.
