Liver cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. At The Nebraska Medical
Center, you'll be under the care and expertise of a multi-disciplinary team of physicians
and health care professions who make rounds together and meet on a weekly basis
to discuss each patient's case to ensure the best treatment possible.
Many of these clinicians have been with the liver cancer program for more than 20
years and are experienced at treating liver patients in all stages of the disease.
Each of these clinicians play a vital role in ensuring all of the your physical,
social and psychological needs are met. While you are seeking care at The Nebraska
Medical Center, some or all of the following clinicians may be involved in your
care.
Cardiologist
Transplant and surgical patients will be evaluated by a cardiologist to assess their
cardiac health and their tolerance for surgery.
Dietitian
A dietitian can help develop a nutritional diet plan for you to help you lose weight
or maintain your ideal weight and ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs
to stay strong during treatment and recovery.
Financial counselor
One of our financial counselors can help evaluate and coordinate your financial
needs during treatment and connect you to appropriate assistance through resources
such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Hepatologist
Specialists in diseases of the liver, a hepatologist may follow a patient prior
to surgery or transplant and continue medical management post-surgery.
Infectious disease specialist
An infectious disease doctor will monitor post-transplant patients to minimize potential
infections and pretransplant for children.
Interventional radiologist
Doctors trained in interventional radiology use X-rays and other imaging techniques
to "see" inside the body while they guide narrow tubes or catheters and other very
small instruments through the blood vessels and other pathways of the body to the
site of a problem. An interventional radiologist may be consulted to perform diagnostic
or treatment procedures using the latest in interventional radiology techniques.
Nurse coordinator
The nurse coordinator serves as your primary liaison between the you and the team
of health care specialists. He or she will help coordinate your care before, during
and after treatment and recovery.
Oncologist
A general oncologist may assist in managing your care, particularly in terms of
pre and post-chemotherapy.
Psychiatrist
If you are a candidate for a liver transplant, you may be asked to meet with a psychiatrist
who will your mental history and state of mind to determine if you are an appropriate
candidate.
Psychologist
If you are candidate for a liver transplant, you may be asked to meet with a psychologist
who may perform psychological testing and conduct an evaluation to determine your
readiness for a transplant.
Pulmonologist
A pulmonologist may monitor your care if you have any underlying lung diseases.
Radiologist
Specialists in radiology may be consulted to conduct and evaluate the results of
an abdominal ultrasound, CT or MRI scans, which can indicate the extent of the disease,
which lobe it has invaded and whether it is operable.
Social worker
While undergoing treatment, a social worker can evaluate your family situation and
help connect you to appropriate community resources to provide additional support.