A liver tumor is an abnormal growth that starts on the liver. It is usually benign (non-cancerous), but it can also be malignant. Benign tumors do not cause any symptoms unless they grow too big. They do not spread to other parts of the body and they usually do not cause problems if they are removed surgically.
Diagnosis of a Liver Tumor
The first step in diagnosing a liver tumor is to take a detailed medical history. The doctor may order blood tests and imaging to look for lesions. This is done to determine the type and stage of the liver tumor. Then, the doctor will decide the best way to treat the lesion.
Benign tumors that do not grow and spread, such as bile duct adenomas, generally have no symptoms and can be treated with a simple surgery. However, adenomas can be difficult to remove surgically because they are small and hard to access.
If a bile duct adenoma is too large, it can block the flow of bile and cause jaundice, which is a yellow pigment in the whites of the eyes and skin caused by the breakdown of red blood cells. This condition, if it gets worse and isn’t treated quickly, can be life-threatening.
Cancer Transformation of a Benign Tumor
When a bile duct adenoma becomes too large, it can transform into a tumor called hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is malignant and can spread to other parts of the liver or other organs. It is more common in men than women.
Treatment of Liver Cancer
The most effective way to treat a liver tumor is to remove it surgically. The doctor will use a scalpel or a special device to cut out the tumor. The doctor may need to remove part of the liver or all of it. The doctor will also remove lymph nodes and blood vessels near the tumor to prevent it from spreading.
Other methods of treatment include chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In chemotherapy, a drug is given through IV or tablets to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for liver cancer, but it can cause some side effects.
Radiotherapy is another type of treatment for liver cancer. Radiation beams kill cancer cells by hitting the tumor with high-energy rays. It can be used in the form of external beam radiation therapy or internal radiation therapy.
Some people with liver cancer develop a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. This is a serious condition that affects the brain because the liver can’t clear toxins from the blood. It can cause confusion and drowsiness.
Prognosis of Liver Cancer
The prognosis of liver cancer depends on the type and form of the tumor, as well as the presence of metastases. Those with a benign tumor or hepatocellular carcinoma with no metastases have a good to excellent prognosis, while those with bile duct carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors are less likely to live longer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer and occurs in about 80% of all cases. Hepatocellular carcinoma can present in 3 different ways: massive, nodular or diffuse.
