Overview:
- it is abnormal cells that multiply in an uncontrollable way, as these cells destroy normal cells.
- Liver cell cancer is primary cancer in the liver (arises of hepatic cells), while secondary cancer is metastases transfer to liver cells from other organs and settle in liver as in tumors of the colon and breast
- Frequency of liver metastases is more common than primary liver cancer
- Types of primary liver cancer:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): This is the most common form of liver cancer in adults.
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma.
Etiology:
- Cancer cells are normal cells in origin, but have undergone changes or mutations in their DNA
The changes caused an imbalance in how they grow and divide and a disorder in their functions
Symptoms:
- Liver cancer does not give symptoms in its early stages
- In following stages begins the appearance of symptoms that include:
- Abdominal pain usually in the right upper part of the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Jaundice
- Chalky white stool
- Abdominal distension
- general systemic symptoms of cancer (weight loss , fatigue , weakness, pallor, fever and night sweating )
Causes:
Liver diseases are the most important risk factor for primary liver cancer incidence, it includes:
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hereditary liver diseases such as Wilson’s disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Excessive drinking alcohol
Diagnosis:
- clinical examination with detailed diseases history
- Laboratory tests to assess liver function
- Abdominal ultrasound to detect any liver mass, diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound guided biopsy
- CT and MRI to determine tumor stage
Treatment:
- Partial hepatectomy with safe margins if tumor is small and liver function is good
- Advanced liver transplantation with reduced liver function
- Chemotherapy:
in advanced stages as palliative treatment to control symptoms
- Radiotherapy:
In advanced stages as palliative therapy to control symptoms
- There are other techniques include: radiofrequency ablation, embolization, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, intra hepatic artery chemotherapy infusion.
