Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the liver when liver cells grow and divide uncontrollably. It can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs through blood vessels or lymphatic channels.

Liver cancer is classified into primary liver cancer, which originates in the liver, and metastatic liver cancer, which spreads to the liver from other organs. The most common source of liver metastasis is colorectal cancer, but gastric cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer also frequently spread to the liver.

Primary liver cancer includes:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which arises from hepatocytes and accounts for about 90% of primary liver cancers.
• Cholangiocarcinoma, which originates from bile duct cells.
• Rare tumors such as angiosarcoma.

In most contexts, “liver cancer” generally refers to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) – the most common type
• Cholangiocarcinoma – bile duct cancer
• Other rare tumors – including angiosarcoma
• Metastatic liver cancer – cancer that spreads to the liver from other organs

Liver cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Because the liver is known as a “silent organ,” symptoms typically appear late, and many patients are diagnosed during routine health checkups.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Pain in the upper right abdomen
• A palpable mass in the liver area
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe fatigue

Since many patients also have chronic liver disease, it can be difficult to distinguish whether symptoms are due to the cancer itself or the underlying liver condition.

Most cases of liver cancer occur in patients with chronic liver disease. Conditions that cause long-term inflammation of the liver significantly increase risk, including:

• Chronic hepatitis B 
• Chronic hepatitis C 
• Alcohol-related cirrhosis
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cirrhosis
• Autoimmune liver disease

There is no guaranteed way to prevent liver cancer, but the risk can be reduced by:

• Preventing and treating chronic hepatitis B and C through vaccination or antiviral therapy
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy weight to prevent fatty liver disease
• Regular surveillance for high-risk individuals with chronic liver disease (e.g., ultrasound and blood tests every 6 months)