LIVER CONDITIONS

Liver Cancer

A Hepatocellular carcinoma seen on laproscopy (visualisation through probe into the abdominal cavity)

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.