Primary liver cancer causes

Written by Liu Liang

Oncology

Updated on January 20, 2025

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The causes and specific mechanisms of primary liver cancer are not yet very clear; its development is a complex process involving multiple factors and steps, influenced by various aspects such as environment and diet. Primary liver cancer is associated with chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections, aflatoxin, contaminated drinking water, and alcoholic cirrhosis, among other factors. Particularly, hepatocellular carcinoma has a significant association with hepatitis B, and most patients may also have a history of chronic hepatitis B.

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Clinically, cystic lesions in the liver are mostly not liver cancer lesions, because liver cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in the liver. Clinically, on imaging, it is mainly manifested as occupying lesions in the liver, appearing as multiple hepatic nodules fused into a mass, or as a huge single nodular lesion. These lesions generally appear as solid lesions. When the tumor is large, ischemic necrosis can occur due to insufficient blood supply to the central area, resulting in cystic changes in the central region of the solid lesion. Therefore, some patients with large liver cancer may have cystic and solid lesions on imaging, but in most cases, liver cancer lesions are solid.

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Can hepatitis B turn into liver cancer?

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Can alpha-fetoprotein confirm liver cancer?

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Early symptoms of primary liver cancer

Primary liver cancer often shows no obvious symptoms in its early stages. It may present symptoms similar to indigestion, hepatitis, etc. For example, there might be slight discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen, aversion to oil, or loss of appetite. Generally, regular health check-ups are needed, including imaging studies of the liver such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Liver function tests and tumor markers such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) should also be performed. In most cases of primary liver cancer, AFP levels will be elevated. Combined with imaging studies, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. A definitive diagnosis requires liver biopsy or confirmation through pathology after surgery.