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CANCER TYPES
As the largest internal organ, the liver performs a variety of vital functions. Different cell types are responsible for these diverse functions. The basic liver cells (known as hepatocytes) produce blood clotting factors, synthesize bile, metabolize proteins and remove toxins from the blood. The liver has a rich network of blood vessels carrying nutrients and toxins from the intestine to the liver and back to the circulation. The liver also has a system of bile ducts which carry bile (a green fluid that helps digestion of food) from the liver and gall bladder into the intestine. Tumors may arise from any of these types of cells and thus there is a wide variety in types of liver cancer.
Tumors can be generally thought of as benign or malignant. Benign tumors are unlikely to metastasize (spread throughout the body) while malignant tumors are cancerous and are likely to spread to other organs.
Liver Cancer types listed by cell of origin
| List of benign tumors and cell of origin |
List of malignant (cancerous) tumors and cell of origin |
| Hepatocytes |
Hepatocytes |
| - Adenoma |
- Hepatocellular carcinoma |
| - Focal nodular hyperplasia |
- Hepatoblastoma |
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- Fibrolamellar carcinoma |
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| Vessels |
Vessels |
| - Hemangioma |
- Angiosarcoma |
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| Bile duct |
Bile duct |
| - Adenoma |
- Cholangiocarcinoma |
| - Hamartoma (Von Myenberg Complex) |
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