Liver tumours and lesions Flashcards
What does classification around liver lesions revolve around
Whether the lesion is likely to be benign or malignant q
The majority of liver lesions are symptomatic. True or False.
False - most are asymptomatic
Raised levels of what are indicative of Hepatocellular carcinoma
Raised levels of Alpha-fetoprotein
What is the initial radiological investigation
Ultrasound
Why might a liver biopsy be required
To determine the diagnosis (presence or absence of malignancy)
Presence or absence of underlying liver disease and cirrhosis
Why would biopsy be avoided and why
If HCC or hydatid (cyst) is strongly suspected - to avoid the risk of seeding the tumour along the biopsy tract
What is the treatment for benign liver lesions
Most don’t need any treatment
Only some that are large close to the capsule of the liver and causing pain or when central lesions cause biliary obstruction.
What is the treatment for malignant liver lesions
Depends on the condition and the underlying liver disease
What types of primary cancer which have metastasised to the liver are potentially curable
Colorectal adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine tumours
What might neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy do
Increase the proportion of patients with resectable disease
What does treatment of HCC localised to the liver depend on
The presence or absence of cirrhosis
When is liver transplantation indicated in hepatocellular carcinoma
When the lesion is small, extrahepatic disease is non-existent and hepatic reserve is poor
