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Liver cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma

Primary liver cell carcinoma; Tumor - liver; Cancer - liver; Hepatoma

 

Hepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.

Causes

 

Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for most liver cancers. This type of cancer occurs more often in men than women. It is usually diagnosed in people age 50 or older.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is not the same as metastatic liver cancer , which starts in another organ (such as the breast or colon) and spreads to the liver.

In most cases, the cause of liver cancer is long-term damage and scarring of the liver ( cirrhosis ). Cirrhosis may be caused by:

  • Alcohol abuse
  • Autoimmune diseases of the liver
  • Hepatitis B or C virus infection
  • Inflammation of the liver that is long-term (chronic)
  • Iron overload in the body ( hemochromatosis )

People with hepatitis B or C are at high risk of liver cancer, even if they do not develop cirrhosis.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of liver cancer may include any of the following:

  • Abdominal pain or tenderness, especially in the upper-right part
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Enlarged abdomen
  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Unexplained weight loss

 

Exams and Tests

 

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. The physical exam may show an enlarged, tender liver or other signs of cirrhosis.

If the doctor suspects liver cancer, tests that may be ordered include:

  • Abdominal CT scan
  • Abdominal ultrasound
  • Liver biopsy
  • Liver enzymes ( liver function tests )
  • Liver MRI
  • Serum alpha fetoprotein

Some people who have a high chance of developing liver cancer may get regular blood tests and ultrasounds to see whether tumors are developing.

To accurately diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma, a biopsy of the tumor must be done.

 

Treatment

 

Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is.

Surgery may be done if the tumor has not spread. Before surgery, the tumor may be treated with chemotherapy to reduce its size. This is done by delivering the medicine straight into the liver with a tube (catheter) or by giving it intravenously (by IV).

Radiation treatments in the area of the cancer may also be helpful. But in people who have liver cirrhosis or other liver diseases, radiation is difficult to perform.

Ablation is another method that may be used. Ablate means to destroy. Types of ablation include using:

  • Radio waves or microwaves
  • Ethanol (an alcohol) or acetic acid (vinegar)
  • Extreme cold (cryoablation)

A liver transplant may be recommended for certain people who have both cancer and cirrhosis.

If the cancer can't be surgically removed or has spread outside the liver, there is usually no chance for long-term cure. Treatment instead focuses on improving and extending one's life. Treatment in this case is chemotherapy, and can be taken as pills or given through a vein (by IV).

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

If the cancer cannot be completely removed, the disease is usually fatal within 3 to 6 months. But survival can vary depending on how advanced the cancer is when diagnosed and how successful treatment is.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if you develop ongoing abdominal pain, especially if you have a history of any liver disease .

 

Prevention

 

Preventive measures include:

  • Preventing and treating viral hepatitis may help reduce your risk. Childhood vaccination against hepatitis B may reduce the risk of liver cancer in the future.
  • Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
  • People with certain types of hemochromatosis (iron overload) may need to be screened for liver cancer.
  • People who have hepatitis B or C or cirrhosis may be recommended for liver cancer screening.

 

 

Open References

References

Abou-Alfa GK, Jarnagin W, Lowery M, et al. Liver and bile duct cancer. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2014:chap 80.

Di Bisceglie AM, Befeler AS. Hepatic tumors and cysts. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 96.

National Cancer Institute. PDQ Adult primary liver cancer treatment. Bethesda, MD. Date last modified July 31, 2015. Available at: www.cancer.gov/types/liver/hp/adult-liver-treatment-pdq . Accessed September 24, 2015.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Hepatobiliary cancers. Version 2.2015. Available at: www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/hepatobiliary.pdf . Accessed September 24, 2015.

 
  • Digestive system

    Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Liver biopsy

    Liver biopsy - illustration

    A liver biopsy is not a routine procedure, but is performed when it is necessary to determine the presence of liver disease and to look for malignancy, cysts, parasites, or other pathology. The actual procedure is only slightly uncomfortable. Most of the discomfort arises from being required to lie still for several hours afterwards to prevent bleeding from the biopsy site.

    Liver biopsy

    illustration

  • Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan

    Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan - illustration

    A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a widespread (disseminated) carcinoma of the liver (hepato cellular carcinoma). The liver is the large organ on the left side of the picture. Note the moth-eaten appearance.

    Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan

    illustration

    • Digestive system

      Digestive system - illustration

      The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

      Digestive system

      illustration

    • Liver biopsy

      Liver biopsy - illustration

      A liver biopsy is not a routine procedure, but is performed when it is necessary to determine the presence of liver disease and to look for malignancy, cysts, parasites, or other pathology. The actual procedure is only slightly uncomfortable. Most of the discomfort arises from being required to lie still for several hours afterwards to prevent bleeding from the biopsy site.

      Liver biopsy

      illustration

    • Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan

      Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan - illustration

      A CT scan of the upper abdomen showing a widespread (disseminated) carcinoma of the liver (hepato cellular carcinoma). The liver is the large organ on the left side of the picture. Note the moth-eaten appearance.

      Hepatocellular cancer, CT scan

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Liver cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma

         
         

        Review Date: 8/1/2015

        Reviewed By: Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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