Primary tumours of the liver

Liver tumours can be divided into primary and secondary.
Primary tumours originate from hepatic cells (also called hepatocytes).
Secondary tumours (hepatic metastases) are malignant tumours that develop in other organs and then spread to the liver.

Causes 
Primary hepatic tumours are a type of cancer that develops mainly in men. The main risk factors associated with this disease are:

• cirrhosis (more than 90% of liver tumours are a consequence of this disease);
• age (develops mainly after age 50);
• chronic infections like hepatitis B or C;
• diabetes;
• alcohol abuse.

Symptoms
In the early stages, primary liver tumours do not show visible signs of their presence and this is why hepatocarcinoma has also been referred to as a "silent tumour".
When symptoms occur, they can include:

• fatigue
• pain in the right upper part of the abdomen that can radiate up to the shoulder
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• frequent feeling of satiety
• weight loss
• elevated temperature (fever)
• jaundice (yellow skin)

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tumours in the initial phase is done by means of radiological examinations (e.g. ultrasound, CT, MRI, etc.), particularly in patients at risk (e.g. cirrhosis, metabolic syndrome, etc.).
Today, a diagnosis is rarely made during a clinical examination as a result of the discovery of a palpable abdominal mass.
A biopsy of liver tissue may also be required, but only after specialized assessment. 

Treatment
Primary liver tumours are complex neoplasia and there are various treatments available, all of which are in continuous evolution (laparoscopic surgical resection, thermal ablation, endovascular radiotherapy, etc.). Furthermore it is often necessary to combine multiple treatments.