Chemoembolization Cancer Therapy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
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Chemoembolization is a procedure used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. When it is used to treat tumor in the liver, it is called hepatic artery chemoembolization.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US):

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You have chest pain when you take a deep breath or cough.
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and short of breath.
• You cough up blood.

Seek care immediately if:

• You are too weak or dizzy to stand.
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have a fever, fatigue, nausea, and are vomiting.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You have abdominal pain that does not go away, even after you take pain medicine.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• You have a fast heartbeat.
• You continue to have diarrhea, even after you take medicine to decrease it.
• You are unable to have a bowel movement.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Medicine may be given to decrease pain or treat diarrhea. Do not wait until your pain is severe before you take pain medicine. You may also need medicine to prevent infection.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Do not smoke:

Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage and increase your risk for new or returning cancer. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

You may need to return for more tests and to see if the treatment decreased the size of the tumor. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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Further information

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