Liver cancer

Question 1

What are the two main types of primary liver cancer?

Answer 1

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (80% of cases)

- Cholangiocarcinoma (20% of cases)

Question 2

The main risk factor for HCC is…

Answer 2

Liver cirrhosis

Question 3

Liver cancer often presents late with non-specific symptoms… True or false?

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Which tumour marker is associated with HCC?

Answer 4

Alpha-fetoprotein

Question 5

Which tumour marker is associated with cholangiocarcinoma?

Answer 5

CA 19-9

Question 6

Describe the prognosis and the management options for HCC/cholangiocarcinoma

Answer 6

• Both have very poor prognosis unless diagnosed early
• Liver transplant (HCC) or surgical resection (cholangiocarcinoma) can be curative in patients with isolated disease
• Both are generally considered resistant to chemo and radiotherapy

Question 7

What is a haemangioma?

Is any treatment or monitoring required for a haemangioma?

Answer 7

Very common, benign liver tumour (often found incidentally)

No, as no potential to become malignant

Question 8

What is focal nodular hyperplasia?

Does this require any treatment or monitoring?

Answer 8

Benign liver tumour made of fibrotic tissue (often found incidentally)

No, as no potential to become malignant

Question 9

Focal nodular hyperplasia is more common in which group of patients?

Answer 9

Women/those taking medications containing oestrogen, e.g. COCP/HRT (related to oestrogen)