Liver cancer refers to malignant tumors arising in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary type.
What is this condition?
Primary liver cancer starts in the liver itself; cancers that spread from another organ are classified as liver metastases.
Signs and symptoms
Early disease may cause no symptoms. Right upper abdominal discomfort, appetite loss, weight loss, abdominal swelling or jaundice can occur, but these findings are not specific.
Diagnostic assessment
Assessment includes clinical history, laboratory tests and contrast-enhanced imaging. Liver function is as important as tumor extent in treatment planning.
General treatment framework
Selected patients may be considered for liver resection or transplantation; other settings may involve ablation, liver-directed therapies, systemic treatment or radiotherapy.
Role of surgery
In suitable patients, surgery aims to remove tumor-bearing tissue while preserving adequate functioning liver.