Liver Diseases

Probably the most common problem seen in the liver is that of a tumor. Tumors can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Malignant tumors include hepatocellular cancer (primary liver cancer) or metastatic (developed in another organ, and then spread to the liver). Primary liver cancer is most commonly associated with liver cirrhosis (hard liver) which is typically associated with viral Hepatitis (such as Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C). The majority of liver metastases come from the colon and rectum, although may also come from another primary cancer site. Benign tumors of the liver include liver cyst, adenoma, hemangioma, or focal nodular hyperplasia.

It is extremely important to determine the type of tumor as this will strongly influence your treatment. The etiology of your tumor will be determined, sometimes even without a biopsy. If surgery is recommended, all of your options will be reviewed with you including liver resection (removal of a portion of liver) and the potential for a minimally invasive procedure, such as laparoscopic surgery. For selected cases, radiofrequency ablation (local heat treatment directly into the tumor) can also be utilized for certain liver tumors with good results.