Abnormal growths of cells can develop in the liver. Not all liver tumors are cancerous; they can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Determining the specific nature of any liver mass requires a thorough medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Benign Liver Tumors
Benign liver tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not spread. They often grow slowly and may not cause symptoms, frequently discovered incidentally during imaging. The most common type is a hemangioma, a mass of abnormal blood vessels, which typically requires no treatment unless large or symptomatic.
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is another common benign tumor, often affecting young women and characterized by a central scar on imaging. These are usually asymptomatic and do not need intervention. Hepatocellular adenomas, though less common, originate from liver cells. While many are asymptomatic, larger ones can cause pain or bleeding, and carry a small risk of rupture or malignant transformation, sometimes leading to surgical removal.
Malignant Liver Tumors
Malignant liver tumors are cancerous growths that can spread to other organs. They are classified by origin: primary liver cancers begin in the liver, while metastatic liver cancers spread to the liver from a cancer elsewhere in the body. Metastatic tumors are more common than primary liver cancers.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, often linked to chronic liver diseases like hepatitis B or C and cirrhosis. Cholangiocarcinoma is another primary type, arising from bile ducts. Malignant tumors can invade surrounding tissues and spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Identifying and Characterizing Liver Tumors
Medical professionals use various diagnostic tools to determine if a liver tumor is benign or malignant. Imaging tests are often the first step. Ultrasound uses sound waves to image the liver and reveal tumors. More detailed views are obtained through computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which characterize the size, shape, and location of masses. MRI is especially useful for distinguishing liver lesions due to its superior soft tissue contrast.
Blood tests also provide diagnostic clues. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein, can be elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While high AFP levels may indicate HCC, normal levels do not rule out cancer, as early-stage HCC might not show elevated AFP. For a definitive diagnosis, especially when imaging is inconclusive, a liver biopsy is often performed. This involves taking a tissue sample from the tumor for microscopic examination by a pathologist to identify cancer cells and determine the tumor type.
Receiving a Liver Tumor Diagnosis
After a liver tumor diagnosis, consulting specialized healthcare professionals is essential. A multidisciplinary team, including hepatologists (liver specialists), oncologists (cancer specialists), interventional radiologists, and surgeons, collaborates to assess the tumor and develop a personalized management plan.
Management varies significantly based on tumor type and individual factors. For many benign tumors, and some early or slow-growing malignant ones, “watchful waiting” with regular monitoring may be recommended. If intervention is necessary, options range from surgical removal to other treatments aimed at controlling or eliminating growth. Ongoing medical guidance and follow-up are important for monitoring and managing symptoms.