Types of Liver Cancer

Primary liver cancer

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This is adult liver cancer that originates in the liver. There are two types:

Hepatocellular carcinoma

(HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. People with chronic liver diseases caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C and excessive alcohol consumption are at particular risk. This cancer can start as a single tumor or a series of small cancer nodules that form throughout the liver.

Cholangiocarcinoma

(bile duct cancer) is a rare cancer in the bile ducts – the tubes that move bile fluid from the liver thru the pancreas and to the small intestine. The cancer cells can grow in the bile ducts inside or outside the liver.

Secondary liver cancer

This type of liver cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver via the blood stream (metastasis). Such metastatic cancer is named after the organ where it developed. Secondary liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of primary liver cancer include:

• Chronic viral hepatitis: Around the world, the most common factor in liver cancer is chronic infection from hepatitis B or hepatitis C, both of which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.
• Cirrhosis: This progressive and irreversible condition causes healthy liver cells to be replaced by scar tissue, which increases your chances of developing liver cancer.
• Inherited metabolic diseases: Certain diseases can increase risk. For example, people with hereditary hemochromatosis absorb too much iron from food. If that iron builds up in the liver, it can lead to cirrhosis.
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: This causes an accumulation of fat in the liver, which increases the risk of liver cancer.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking is the number one cause of cirrhosis in the U.S.
• Exposure to aflatoxins: These poisons are produced by molds that grow on poorly stored crops, including peanuts, wheat soybeans, corn and rice. It is more common in warmer and tropical countries.