Liver Cancer: What It Is, Types, Signs, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that can arise in the liver itself (primary cancer) or reach it from another organ (metastatic cancer). Metastatic cancer is more common than primary cancer. Symptoms may not appear for a long time, so the disease is often detected at late stages.

Liver cancer: what it is

The liver is the largest internal organ, which helps digest food, store energy, and remove toxins. Primary liver cancer starts in its cells. Metastatic cancer originates from a tumor at another site that has spread to the liver. Risk factors for primary cancer: hepatitis B and C, alcohol abuse, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), hemochromatosis (a disorder of iron metabolism), obesity, and diabetes. Worldwide, liver cancer is more common where hepatitis B and C are widespread, including in Asia and countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and other types of liver tumors

The most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 80% of cases. Cholangiocarcinoma is less common, and mucinous cystic neoplasm and intraductal papillary biliary neoplasm are even rarer. HCC develops more often in men than in women and is usually diagnosed at the age of 55–65 years. In addition to viruses and alcohol, the list of causes includes aflatoxin, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver flukes.

Signs of liver cancer

Liver cancer manifests with the following signs:

• A lump or pain in the right upper abdomen
• A yellowish tint to the skin
• Abdominal swelling
• Unexplained weight loss and weakness
• Easy bruising

However, there may be no symptoms until the cancer becomes widespread, which makes treatment more difficult.

Diffuse liver changes: is it cancer or not

Whether diffuse changes are related to a tumor can be determined only by a doctor based on examination results. Abdominal ultrasound, blood tests, and biopsy are used to detect liver cancer.

How liver neoplasms are diagnosed

Diagnosis includes blood tests (including tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein), imaging (abdominal ultrasound), and biopsy — taking a tissue sample. The doctor may also order endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and other tests. Screening is recommended for people with chronic liver disease. Small lumps in the liver may be subject to regular monitoring.

Stages of liver cancer and what stage 4 means

The stage describes how widespread the tumor is; the details of staging are determined by the doctor. What stage the tumor is at and what it means in a particular case is explained by the attending physician after the examination. At late stages, cancer is more difficult to treat.

The five-year survival rate for liver cancer is 18.4% in the USA and 40.4% in Japan; these figures refer to groups of people and do not predict the outcome for a particular person.

The mere presence of a liver tumor is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 in case of loss of consciousness or a sharp deterioration in condition.

If a liver tumor is suspected, consult a doctor. This material is for reference purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer