Liver Tumors
What is it?
A liver tumor is an abnormal growth of cells—at times benign but far more often malignant—in the liver. Benign growths may cause symptoms and require treatment in rare cases, but generally they are not a health risk.Malignant tumors are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary tumors, which are relatively uncommon in North America, originate in the liver, either from the liver cells themselves (hepatoma or hepatocellular carcinoma) or from cells of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma). Much more common are secondary, or metastatic, tumors that have spread to the liver from cancers elsewhere in the body. Next to the lymph nodes, the liver is the most common site for the spread of cancer. The outlook for both primary and secondary liver cancers is poor; they are usually fatal within six months to one year of diagnosis. Treatment is aimed at eradicating the tumor and relieving symptoms. Benign tumors are more common among women, especially those taking oral contraceptives; malignant ones are more common among men.
What Causes It?
- The cause of primary liver tumors is unknown.
- The risk of primary liver cancer is increased in patients with cirrhosis, whether due to hepatitis B or C infection, hemochromatosis, or alcoholism.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, such as polyvinyl chloride vapors or arsenic, may lead to liver cancer.
- Aflatoxins (molds that grow on incorrectly stored peanuts and grains) may contribute to liver cancer.
- Metastatic tumors may spread to the liver from cancers at other sites.
- The use of oral contraceptives is associated with some benign liver tumors, although this is rare.
- Anabolic steroids increase the risk of malignant tumors.
Prevention
- Have no more than two alcoholic drinks a day. If you suspect that you may have a drinking problem, seek help immediately. You will need to avoid alcohol completely if you have cirrhosis.
- Try to limit exposure to toxic chemicals, such as insecticides, herbicides, certain medications, cleaning solvents, and paint thinner.
- Get regular checkups (including measurement of blood alpha fetoprotein levels every four months and a liver ultrasound annually) if you have a history of hepatitis B or C, hemochromatosis, or cirrhosis.
Diagnosis
- Patient history and physical examination are needed. The doctor will press upon the liver to detect any swelling or solid masses.
- Blood tests will be taken.
- Ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scans, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be done.
- A liver biopsy may be performed.Using local anesthesia, a needle is inserted under the ribs and into the liver to extract a small tissue sample for analysis.
- Exploratory surgery may be necessary.
How to Treat It
- Surgery is possible for benign, symptomatic tumors.
- Chemotherapy may be used to destroy cancerous cells, but results are disappointing.
- Surgical removal of a single small malignant tumor may be performed. However, surgery is not advised for large malignant tumors or widespread cancer.
- Radiation therapy is used in some cases.
- Liver transplantation is a rare option.
When to Call a Doctor
- Symptoms of a liver tumor warrant a doctor's attention.
For more Johns Hopkins health information, please visit Johns Hopkins Health Alerts.
For medical appointments at Johns Hopkins, please call 866-386-1617.
All information contained within the Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies website is intended for educational purposes only. Consumers should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they may have read on this website.
Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.