2.1 pathophysiology primary liver cancer

primary liver cancer develops from within the liver itself

there are multiple cell types in the liver and hence different risk factors

hepatocellular carcinoma HCC

most common type of cancer

fibrolamella carcinoma

a rare type of HCC that isnt licked with usual risk factors, cirrosis/ hepatitis.

usually diagnosed in patients between 20-40

bile duct cancer, cholangiocarcinoma

the bile duct are the tubes that connects the gall bladder, liver and small intestines, this is a rare type of cancer

angiosarcoma

this is a type of soft tissue sarcoma, cancer that developes in the bone/ soft tissues, that occurs in the blood vessel s in the liver. it is very rare and most commonly disgnosed in elderly patients

hepatoblastoma

this type usually affects young children and is very rare

hepatocellular carcinoma respresents between 75-85% of primary liver cancers

liver cells are called hepatocytes

when the liver is repeatedly injured it tries to repair itself

which leads to scar tissue forming in the process called fibrosis

over time fobrisis can progrss to cirrosis

where the liver becomes hardened and does not function properly

in cirrhosis the constant cell damage and regeneration increases the risk of abnormal changes in cell DNA

leading to mutations

these mutations can cause the cell to grow uncontrollably

forming a tumour which is the basis of liver cancer

the liver is essential for filtering blood, making proteins and hellping with digestion

tumours in the liver can affect these functions

this is why symptoms of liver cancer include

weight loss

jaundice

ascites

ascites

fluid accumulation in the abdomen

jaundice

yellowing of the skin mucosa membrane and whites of the eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

biirubin

bilirubin in a product from the breakdown of red blood cells that is processed by th eliver before excretion.

when the liver is not functioning properly this process cannot occur

leading to signs of jaundice

In the UK, the physiology of liver cancer is often tied to underlying liver diseases,

which weaken the liver’s normal ability to regenerate, making it more prone to cancer development

Early detection is critical,

as the liver itself does not show obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred.