The Big "C" Flashcards
Are primary or secondary malignancies more likely in the liver? Why?
Secondary-
it is heavily vascularized- portal, lymph, arteries
Describe Type 1 primary Liver cancer
TYPE 1- hepatocellular carcinoma (ie malig, not benigh)
- > ~ 90% of liver CA
- > origin in hepatocytes
What is hepatocelluar carcinoma etiology linked to?
Chronic liver disease (e.g. Hep C)
Environmental toxins (eg arsenic)
Why does viral etiology fro Liver cancer make sense?
Viral etiology makes since virus insert their DNA into host DNA (similar to mutation)
What makes identifying MNFTS of liver Cancer difficult?
Insidious onset
MNFTS are masked by those of underlying liver disease
Tx for Liver cancer?
Poor prognosis (advanced stage by time of Dx)
- > Partial hepatectomy (early dx)
- > Chemo and radiation (palliative care may exclude)
Describe Type 2 Liver CA
Cholangiocarcinomas
-> Origin in bile duct epithelium
-> Women 20-30 on the pill
-> Can be Hepatocytes or Vascular
• TX- Sx and removal of hormone
oRelated to chronic inflm in the duct epithelium
• (Associated with snail parasite, water and cyst in bile duct causiong chronic inflm)
Describe type 2 etiology
- > Related to chronic inflm in the duct epithelium
- > Associated with snail parasite, water and cyst in bile duct causiong chronic inflm)
Secondary (Metastatic tumors) often come to the liver from…
What is the advantage of secondary tumors vs primary?
From colon, lung and breast
Liver is a likely destination… therefore you are watching for it.
MNFTS of secondary Liver CA
Hepatomegaly, ascites, abdm pain, Anorexia, fever and weight loss
Prognosis and tx of 2* Liver CA
Very poor prognosis (3-6months until death) Supportive and palliative tx
Who is at higher risk of developing pancreatic Cancer?
Men
Black people
Smoker
What is the prognosis?
One of the leading causes of death from CA
90% mortality in the first year
Etiology of pancreatic CA
Unclear, but theoris include: smoking (major risk) Alcohol DM and Chronic pancreatitis Age (>50yrs) Poor diet
What is the most common type of pancreatic CA? Where does it occur?
90% adenocarcinomas
Occurs in duct epithelium
