Liver Cancer Flashcards
Are primary or secondary malignancies more common in the liver? Why?
secondary malignancies are more common in the liver because it is a large organ that is richly vascularized
What is the most common primary malignancy in the liver?
hepatocellular carcinoma
Where does hepatocelluar carcinoma originate?
in hepatocytes
What is the etiology of hepatocelluar carcinoma?
gene mutation
What is the etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma linked to?
- chronic liver disease, like hepatitis
- environmental toxins, like arsenic
What are the manifestations of hepatocellular carcinoma?
- insidious onset
- when manifestations appear, often masked by those of liver disease
How is hepatocellular carcinoma treated?
- poor prognosis (because by the time it is detected it is very advanced)
- partial hepatectomy if caught early
- chemotherapy and radiation (palliative)
What is a liver adenoma?
a benign tumor originating in hepatocytes
Who is often affected by liver adenoma?
women 20-30 years on oral contraceptives
Even though the a liver adenoma is benign it poses a problem - what is it?
these tumors are very vascular and have a potential for hemorrhage
How is a liver adenoma treated?
- surgery to excise
- withdraw the hormone
What is the second type of common liver cancer?
cholangiocarcinomas
Where do cholangiocarcinomas originate?
bile duct epithelium
What are cholagiocarcinomas associated with?
chronic inflammation of the duct epithelium (can be caused by parasite shistosomiasis)
Where do secondary/metastatic tumours in the liver normally originate from?
colon, lung or breast
