What is a tumor?
Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells begin to reproduce
at an increased rate. The liver can grow both non-cancerous (benign) and
cancerous (malignant) tumors.
What are non-cancerous liver tumors?
Non-cancerous (benign) tumors are quite common and usually do not produce
symptoms. Often, they are not diagnosed until an ultrasound, computed tomography
(CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is performed. There
are several types of benign liver tumors, including the following:
- hepatocellular adenoma
This benign tumor occurs most often in women of childbearing age.
Most of these tumors remain undetected. Sometimes, an adenoma will rupture
and bleed into the abdominal cavity, requiring surgery. Adenomas rarely
become cancerous.
- hemangioma
This type of benign tumor is a mass of abnormal blood vessels. Up
to five percent of adults have small liver hemangiomas that cause no
symptoms. Treatment is usually not required. Sometimes, infants with
large liver hemangiomas require surgery to prevent clotting and heart
failure.
What are cancerous liver tumors?
Cancerous (malignant) tumors in the liver have either originated in the
liver (primary liver cancer) or spread from cancer sites elsewhere in
the body (metastatic liver cancer). Most cancerous tumors in the liver
are metastatic.
What is hepatoma (primary liver cancer)?
Also called hepatocellular carcinoma, this is the most common form of
primary liver cancer. Chronic infection with hepatitis B and C increases
the risk of developing this type of cancer. Other causes include cancer-causing
substances, alcoholism, and chronic liver cirrhosis.
What are the symptoms of a liver hepatoma?
The following are the most common symptoms of a liver hepatoma. However,
each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
- nausea
- vomiting
- large mass can be felt in upper, right part of abdomen
- fever
- jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The symptoms of a liver hematoma may resemble other medical conditions
or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is liver hepatoma diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic
procedures for a liver hepatoma may include the following:
- liver function tests - a series of special blood tests that
can determine if the liver is functioning properly.
- abdominal ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic
imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an
image of the internal organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal
organs of the abdomen such as the liver spleen, and kidneys and to assess
blood flow through various vessels.
- computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging
procedure using a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce
cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and
vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part
of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans
are more detailed than general x-rays.
- hepatic arteriography - x-rays taken after a substance in injected
into the hepatic artery.
- liver biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples from the
liver are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for
examination under a microscope.
Treatment for liver hepatoma:
Specific treatment for liver hepatoma will be determined by your physician
based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- surgery
Surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, as well as nearby
non-cancerous tissue. Total surgical removal of the liver lobe or removal
of segments of the liver may be performed.
- radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
- chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.
- liver transplantation
What are other types of primary liver cancers?
Other, less common primary liver cancers include the following:
- cholangiocarcinoma - a cancer that originates in the lining
of the bile channels in the liver or in the bile ducts.
- hepatoblastoma - a common cancer in infants and children, sometimes
causing the release of hormones that result in early puberty.
- angiosarcoma - a rare cancer that originates in the blood vessels
of the liver.
What are the stages of liver cancer?
When a physician diagnoses liver cancer, the next step is to determine
how far the cancer cells have spread (a process called staging). The National
Cancer Institute defines the following stages for primary liver cancer:
| localized
resectable |
Cancer is in one place
and can be removed completely with surgery. |
| localized
unresectable |
Cancer is in one place,
but cannot be totally removed. |
| advanced
|
Cancer has spread
through the liver and other parts of the body. |
| recurrent |
Cancer has come back
after it was treated. |
What is metastatic liver cancer?
Cancer that has spread from other areas in the body to the liver usually
originated in the lung, breast, colon, pancreas, and stomach. Leukemia and
other blood cancers sometimes also spread to the liver.
What are the symptoms of metastatic liver cancer?
The following are the most common symptoms of metastatic liver cancer.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms
may include:
- weight loss
- poor appetite
- enlarged, hard and tender liver
- fever
- enlarged spleen
- ascites - fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity.
- jaundice - yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- confusion
- drowsiness
The symptoms of metastatic liver cancer may resemble other medical conditions
or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is metastatic liver cancer diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic
procedures for metastatic liver cancer may include the following:
- liver function tests - a series of special blood tests that
can determine if the liver is functioning properly.
- abdominal ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic
imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to create an
image of the internal organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal
organs of the abdomen such as the liver spleen, and kidneys and to assess
blood flow through various vessels.
- computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging
procedure using a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce
cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and
vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part
of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans
are more detailed than general x-rays.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that
uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer
to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- liver biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples from the
liver are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for
examination under a microscope.
Treatment for metastatic liver cancer:
Specific treatment for metastatic liver cancer will be determined by
your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- surgery
Surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue, as well as nearby
non-cancerous tissue. The most common operation is called gastrectomy,
or surgical removal of all or part of the stomach. If part of the stomach
is removed, it is called a subtotal or partial gastrectomy. If the entire
stomach is removed, it is called a total gastrectomy.
- radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
- chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.
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