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Encyclopedia -> Disease -> H -> Hepatocellular carcinoma Alternate Names: Primary liver cell carcinoma; Tumor - liver; Liver cancer; Cancer - liver Causes and Risks: Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for 80 to 90% of all liver cancers. It occurs more often in men than women, and occurs mostly in people 50 to 60 years old. The disease is more prevalent in parts of Africa and Asia than in North and South America and Europe. The cause of liver cancer is unknown, but contributing factors include chronic liver disease, viral hepatitis, hemochromatosis, known liver (hepatic) carcinogens, and toxins (mycotoxins) found in foods in parts of Africa and Asia. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people. Prevention: Control of known hepatic carcinogens may have a preventive effect. Symptoms:
Signs and Tests: Physical examination shows an enlarged, tender liver.
Treatment: Aggressive surgery or liver transplantation may be successful in treating small or slow-growing tumors if they are diagnosed early. Support Groups: The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - support group and cancer - support group. Prognosis: The probable outcome is poor. The course of the disease is rapid and usually fatal. Most patients die within 3 to 6 months. Complications:
Call your health care provider if persistent abdominal pain develops, particularly if there has been a history of any liver disease.
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