Primary Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is among the most challenging cancers to treat. While many cancers are declining in the United States, new cases of primary liver cancer are on the rise and are expected to continue to increase over the next two decades. Primary liver cancer starts in the hepatocytes, the main liver cells and often spreads as a single tumor that slowly infects the rest of the liver or as a cancer that quickly spreads throughout the entire organ. There are several types of primary liver cancer.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
This is the most common type of primary liver cancer among children and adults. This type begins in the hepatocytes, the main type of liver cell, but can spread in different ways. Some liver cancers begin as a single tumor that slowly spreads throughout the rest of the liver. Other tumors are more aggressive and immediately begin spreading throughout the entire organ. The primary causes of HCC include hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, and ingestion of aflatoxin-contaminated food.

Cholangiocarcinoma
This form of primary liver cancer starts in the small bile ducts within the liver. Individuals at increased risk for developing this type include those with gallstones or ulcerative colitis. Certain liver parasites commonly found in parts of Southeast Asia also may be associated with this type of cancer.

Hepatoblastoma
This is a rare form of primary liver cancer that primarily affects children younger than four years of age. Its cause appears to be related to an abnormal gene. Most cases can be treated successfully.

Angiosarcoma or hemangiosarcoma
These are rare forms of liver cancer that originate in the blood vessels of the liver and are associated with exposure to industrial chemicals such as vinyl chloride or the drug thorium dioxide. Because workers are better protected from exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and use of thorium dioxide has been continued for some time, these cancers are not commonly seen today.

Metastatic Liver Cancer

In the United States, even more common than primary liver cancer is metastatic cancer, with the colon being one of the primary origins. Because the liver is close to a number of significant organs such as the pancreas, gallbladder, stomach, colon, breasts and lungs and because it is fed from several blood supplies, it is especially vulnerable to metastatic tumors. Metastatic cancers develop when malignant cells spread from the primary cancer and travel through the body in the circulatory or lymphatic system. These cancers are typically named after the organ from which it originated, thus the name metastatic. For instance, cancer that has spread to the liver from the colon is referred to as metastatic colon cancer.

Benign tumors

A number of noncancerous or benign tumors also may develop in the liver.

Hemangioma
The most common type of benign liver tumor, this type affects the liver's blood vessels and typically occurs as a result of a malformation of tissue during fetal development. The majority of hemangiomas don't cause symptoms and do not require treatment.

Hepatic Adenoma
This type of tumor begins in the main liver cells called the hepatocytes. Usually, hepatic adenomas don't cause signs or symptoms. However, occasionally, you may experience abdominal pain, a mass in the abdomen or blood loss. Individuals who use birth control pills are more prone to developing this form of tumor. Halting use of birth control pills often causes the tumor to shrink.

Focal nodular hyperplasia
This tumor is made up of a combination of several types of cells including hepatocytes, bile duct cells and connective tissue. It is more common in women than men and usually doesn't cause signs or symptoms.

For Physician Referrals or more information on liver cancer call 1-800-922-0000