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Hepatoma (Liver) Cancer

Definition

Hepatoma (liver) cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the liver. Often the abnormal growth is called a tumor. There are 2 types of liver cancer: primary and secondary.

Primary liver cancer
Begins within cells in the liver. The 2 most common forms of primary liver cancer are:

• hepatoma, which is often associated with cirrhosis and hepatitis B or C infections
• cholangiocarcinoma, a rare tumor developing in bile duct cells.

Secondary Liver cancer
Occurs when cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver. Secondary liver cancer is much more common in the US. The organs where secondary liver cancers most often begin are the lungs, breasts, and large intestine.

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

Liver cancer is treated in the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center's Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Clinic. Read about:

• Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Clinic
• Liver Cancer Team (opens onto the UMHS website).

Types of Liver Cancer

Metastatic colorectal cancer
Whenever cancer spreads beyond the place it began, in this case, the colon, it is called "metastatic." Metastatic colon cancer is by far the most common cause of liver cancer and represents the majority (close to 70%) of cases. Over 50% of patients with colorectal cancer will develop liver metastasis.

Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
This is the type of cancer originating within the liver. It makes up about 16-18% of cases with this incidence rising related to the rising incidence of hepatitis.

Bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma, gall bladder cancer and other metastases
Cancers occurring in the bile ducts or gall bladder which are connected and also run through the liver make up the remainder of primary liver cancers. In addition, metastatic cancers from the following locations may also occur: other gastrointestinal cancers, breast cancer, melanoma, or genitourinary (referring to parts of the body that play a role in reproduction, getting rid of waste products in the form of urine, or both) cancers. All together these cancers comprise a combined 17-18% of liver cancer cases.

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Diagnosis Information

Treatment Information

Liver Cancer Resources

 

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updated 11/2007

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center