Liver+Cancer

Western Diagnosis 1. lung, breast, colon, pancreas, stomach 2. can be from anywhere 3. often the 1st manifestation of CA elsewhere
 * metastasis most common hepatic tumor**

1. most common malignancy in parts of Africa and SE Asia - chronic HBV 2. cirrhosis - chronic HCV
 * primary hepatocellular carcinoma much less common than metastasis**

Signs & Symptoms
1. weight loss, anorexia, fever 2. hard, enlarged liver - possibly tender 3. many different metabolic derangements possible

Diagnosis
1. US 2. liver biopsy 3. alpha-fetoprotein for primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Treatment
1. very poor results with any tx