HPB cancers Flashcards
Liver lesions are a heterogeneous group of lesions ranging from solitary lesions to widespread lesions. It is important to appreciate that a liver mass can represent benign or malignant pathology.
What are the possible causes?
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Lymphoma
Cholangiocarcinoma (intrahepatic)
Haemangioma
Hydatid cyst
Hepatic abscess
Metastatic lesions
What is hepatocellular carcinoma and what prognosis does it carry?
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary tumour of the liver.
The diagnosis is difficult and due to the lack of characteristic symptoms it is often delayed. This may lead to advanced disease at diagnosis including metastases leading to poor outcomes.
Worldwide, HCC is the sixth most common cause of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death.
The global incidence of HCC varies according to what?
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma?
Chronic viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B or C)
Cirrhosis
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Primary biliary cirrhosis
Inherited metabolic diseases
Alcohol misuse
Obesity
Type 2 Diabetes
Rare diseases: Wilson’s disease, porphyria cutanea tarda, alpha1-antitrypsin
Hepatocellular carcinoma - investigations?
Bloods: FBC, UE, CRP, LFT
Liver screen including Hepatitis Screen
AFP
Abdominal Ultrasound
CT Chest Abdomen Pelvis + - PET scan
What are the curative treatment options for HCC?
Hepatic resection
Liver transplantation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Which tests are used to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma every 6 months in high-risk patients?
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and an abdominal ultrasound
