LIVER CONDITIONS

Biliary Cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)

Cholangiocarcinomas refer to any cancer of the bile duct either within the liver or external to it. Presentation often includes symptoms of jaundice, itching, abdominal discomfort and weight loss which occur as the tumour grows and presses on the bile duct system causing it to block the path of bile out of the body. However, there may be no obvious symptoms at the start of tumour growth and therefore presentation is often at a late stage in the development of the disease. For this reason we would monitor anyone who has had a pertinent history or symptoms that include any of the following: upper abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits that include pale stools, unrelieved itching (not associated with a known skin condition), jaundice, profound weight loss or loss of appetite and a feeling of constant tiredness. If any of these symptoms do apply to you then consult your GP and if necessary he can refer you to our care.

Tumours of the liver cells are called Hepatocellular Carcinomas or HCC’s. They are curable only if surgically removed and in general are rare except in certain pre-existing liver conditions. They are more commonly associated with males more rather than females and if your liver has been affected by Hepatitis B or C, alcohol or a disease of the liver called Haemochromatosis. Metastases or secondary cancer spread to the liver from another area, is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, this is especially relevant to bowel cancers where there is a need to monitor spread from the original site to the liver for 5 years following resection. Resection for liver metastases or an HCC is dependent upon the location, size and volume of tumour and whether you have anything else wrong with you. For these reasons it is essential to be monitored regularly (if you have had a pertinent cancer) and treatment options considered early if you are found to have liver cancer.