Liver Cancer Flashcards
Which is more common in the liver: primary or secondary tumors? Why?
Secondary is more common because the liver is a very ideal environment for metastasis due to its large size and rich vascularization
T or F:
The prognosis for liver CA is poor
T, this form of CA is usually advanced at diagnosis
The most common primary liver tumors are…
…hepatocellular carcinomas (80% or more)
What is the Et of hepatocellular carcinomas?
- Chronic liver disease
- eg hepatitis C, because this form of liver disease
alters DNA
- eg hepatitis C, because this form of liver disease
- Toxins
- Generally environmental eg arsenic
Is cholangiocarcinoma a primary or secondary liver tumor?
Primary
Where do cholangiocarcinomas arise?
In the bile duct epithelium
What is a cause for cholangiocarcinoma? Give a specific example
Chronic inflm of the bile ducts
- eg schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a parasitic infct from a
flat worm that causes cysts in the bile ducts and these
cysts may be a cause of chronic inflm
Where do benign adenomas form?
In the hepatocytes
Who is more likely to develop benign adenomas in their livers?
Young women, esp if on the pill due to hormonal influence because this tumor needs hormonal support
What is a complication of a benign adenoma of the liver/
This tumor is hypervascularized so rupture is a serious concern
The secondary tumors in the liver often come from tumors in the _____, ______, and ______
Colon, lung, and breast
Why is detection of liver CA usually late?
Because there are no early screening tests and the presence of chronic liver disease may “hide” the CA
What are some mnfts of liver CA?
- Anorexia
- Fever
- Wt loss
- Abdm pain
- Hepatomegaly
- Ascites
What are the treatment options for liver CA?
Not many because of the very poor prognosis (death in ~3-6 months), surgery is the only option, and palliative chemo/radiation
