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Questions and Answers
What is the most common primary liver tumor?
What is the most common primary liver tumor?
- Hepatoblastoma
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (correct)
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Angiosarcoma
Which chronic liver disease is NOT commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma?
Which chronic liver disease is NOT commonly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma?
- Autoimmune hepatitis (correct)
- Chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic hepatitis C
- Alcoholic cirrhosis
Which toxin produced by fungus exposure is related to hepatocellular carcinoma in developing countries?
Which toxin produced by fungus exposure is related to hepatocellular carcinoma in developing countries?
- Citrinin
- Ochratoxin
- Aflatoxin (correct)
- Fumonisin
What is a common method for screening high-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma?
What is a common method for screening high-risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma?
Which of the following conditions is least likely to lead to hepatocellular carcinoma?
Which of the following conditions is least likely to lead to hepatocellular carcinoma?
What is a characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma in its early stages?
What is a characteristic of hepatocellular carcinoma in its early stages?
Which of the following liver function tests is noted for being variable in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis?
Which of the following liver function tests is noted for being variable in hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis?
How can patients in industrialized countries typically avoid exposure to aflatoxin?
How can patients in industrialized countries typically avoid exposure to aflatoxin?
What are the symptoms typically associated with angiocercomas of the liver?
What are the symptoms typically associated with angiocercomas of the liver?
Which substance exposure is primarily linked to the development of angiocercoma?
Which substance exposure is primarily linked to the development of angiocercoma?
How do metastatic tumors typically appear on imaging compared to primary liver tumors?
How do metastatic tumors typically appear on imaging compared to primary liver tumors?
Which of the following statements about angiocercomas is true?
Which of the following statements about angiocercomas is true?
What is the most common primary liver tumor?
What is the most common primary liver tumor?
In what environments might one be exposed to high levels of arsenic?
In what environments might one be exposed to high levels of arsenic?
Which route do structures in the GI tract use to send metastases to the liver?
Which route do structures in the GI tract use to send metastases to the liver?
What kind of biopsy is recommended when dealing with angiocercomas?
What kind of biopsy is recommended when dealing with angiocercomas?
What is a potential consequence of a large hepatocellular carcinoma regarding liver functionality?
What is a potential consequence of a large hepatocellular carcinoma regarding liver functionality?
What symptom triad is associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome due to hepatocellular carcinoma?
What symptom triad is associated with Budd-Chiari syndrome due to hepatocellular carcinoma?
Which complication can arise from a large hepatocellular carcinoma leading to a hypercoagulable state?
Which complication can arise from a large hepatocellular carcinoma leading to a hypercoagulable state?
How do hepatocellular carcinomas typically metastasize?
How do hepatocellular carcinomas typically metastasize?
What is a characteristic feature of hepatic adenomas in women?
What is a characteristic feature of hepatic adenomas in women?
What type of treatment is often ineffective for hepatocellular carcinoma?
What type of treatment is often ineffective for hepatocellular carcinoma?
What is a common diagnostic method for hepatocellular carcinoma?
What is a common diagnostic method for hepatocellular carcinoma?
Which benign liver tumor is most commonly associated with fatal hemorrhages upon biopsy?
Which benign liver tumor is most commonly associated with fatal hemorrhages upon biopsy?
Which hormone can be secreted by some hepatocellular carcinomas, leading to erythrocytosis?
Which hormone can be secreted by some hepatocellular carcinomas, leading to erythrocytosis?
What factor can complicate the management of hepatic adenomas during pregnancy?
What factor can complicate the management of hepatic adenomas during pregnancy?
Why is monitoring alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels significant in patients with chronic liver disease?
Why is monitoring alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels significant in patients with chronic liver disease?
Which of the following is a common treatment option for localized hepatocellular carcinoma?
Which of the following is a common treatment option for localized hepatocellular carcinoma?
What is the median survival time for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma?
What is the median survival time for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma?
What characteristic distinguishes vast majority of hepatocellular carcinomas from hepatic adenomas?
What characteristic distinguishes vast majority of hepatocellular carcinomas from hepatic adenomas?
Flashcards
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The most common primary liver tumor, usually linked to chronic liver diseases.
Chronic Liver Disease
Chronic Liver Disease
Underlying conditions that increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis B & C
Viral infections that are common causes of chronic liver disease and a risk factor for HCC.
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Alcoholic Cirrhosis
Liver damage due to excessive alcohol consumption, increasing HCC risk.
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Wilson's Disease & Hemochromatosis
Wilson's Disease & Hemochromatosis
Rare genetic disorders causing liver problems and increasing the risk of HCC.
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Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
A genetic disorder primarily associated with lung problems, but also causing liver involvement and HCC risk.
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Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin
A toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus, potentially contaminating food and causing HCC.
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Screening for HCC
Screening for HCC
Regular check-ups for high-risk patients to detect HCC early.
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Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Blood tests measuring liver health, but often abnormal in nonspecific ways in the context of already existing liver disease.
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Angiocercoma
Angiocercoma
A rare, malignant vascular tumor of the liver.
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Vinyl Chloride Exposure
Vinyl Chloride Exposure
Exposure to vinyl chloride, used in PVC plastic manufacturing, can cause angiocercoma.
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Arsenic Exposure
Arsenic Exposure
High levels of arsenic exposure can lead to angiocercoma.
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Metastasis to the liver
Metastasis to the liver
Cancer spreading from other parts of the body to the liver.
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Multiple Liver Nodules
Multiple Liver Nodules
Multiple small tumors visible on imaging, usually indicative of metastasis.
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Primary Liver Tumor
Primary Liver Tumor
A tumor that originates in the liver itself.
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
The most common primary liver cancer, arising from liver cells (hepatocytes).
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Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels.
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Erythrocytosis
Erythrocytosis
High red blood cell count.
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Budd-Chiari Syndrome
Budd-Chiari Syndrome
A complication of liver cancer, where blood flow out of the liver is blocked due to hepatic vein compression or clotting.
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Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
A protein produced by certain liver tumors, including HCC. High levels can indicate HCC development but not always.
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Hepatic Adenoma
Hepatic Adenoma
Benign liver tumor, often in women of reproductive age.
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Hepatic Hemangioma
Hepatic Hemangioma
Most common benign liver tumor, made of blood vessels.
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Metastasis
Metastasis
Spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.
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Obstructive Jaundice
Obstructive Jaundice
Jaundice caused by an obstruction in the bile duct.
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Ascites
Ascites
Fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity.
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Imaging (CT/MRI/Ultrasound)
Imaging (CT/MRI/Ultrasound)
Used to diagnose tumors by visualizing their location and characteristics.
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Primary Liver Tumors
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Most common primary liver tumor
- Often associated with chronic liver disease (chronic hepatitis B and C, alcoholic cirrhosis, Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).
- Aflatoxin Exposure: A toxin from Aspergillus fungus contaminates corn, soy, and peanuts in developing countries. High intake of contaminated foods can cause HCC.
- Screening: Important in high-risk patients (chronic hepatitis). Imaging studies are used.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic early. Enlarged liver, obstructive jaundice, ascites, hypoglycemia (large tumors)
- Hypoglycemia Mechanism: High metabolic rate of large tumors consumes glucose. Rarely can produce insulin-like growth factor 2.
- Erythrocytosis: Secretion of erythropoietin.
- Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Compression of hepatic veins (by tumor) leads to blood clots, abdominal pain, ascites, hepatomegaly.
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Elevated in HCC, but also in chronic liver disease. Monitoring changes is helpful.
- Diagnosis: Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound). Biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
- Metastasis: Relatively rare at diagnosis. Usually spreads via the blood to the lungs and bones.
- Poor Prognosis: Median survival is 6-20 months post-diagnosis.
- Treatment: Complex and often poorly responsive to chemo/radiation. Surgical excision (rare), liver transplantation, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization.
Benign Liver Tumors
-
Hepatic Adenoma: Benign tumor from epithelial cells.
- Common in women (20s-40s).
- Often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally.
- Risk factors: Oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids.
- Clinical concern: Rupture during pregnancy. Potential excision/ablation.
-
Hepatic Hemangioma: Most common benign liver tumor. Composed of vascular spaces.
- Often discovered incidentally (imaging).
- Biopsy is not recommended.
-
Angiocercoma: Malignant vascular tumor.
- Rare. Associated with vinyl chloride (PVC plastic production) and arsenic exposure.
Liver Metastasis
- More common than primary liver tumors.
- Originates from other areas in the body.
- Common sources: GI tract, breast, lung.
- Recognition: Multiple nodules on imaging, not solitary like primary liver tumors.
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