Types of liver cancer each with distinct characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches, Understanding the different types of liver cancer is essential for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improving patient outcomes by contacting Beta Care at 015 55 932 832, the two main categories are primary liver cancer, which begins in the liver itself, and secondary (or metastatic) liver cancer, which spreads to the liver from other parts of the body, Among the primary types, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common, followed by other forms such as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hepatoblastoma.

Types of liver cancer

Types of liver cancer is broadly classified into primary and secondary (metastatic) types, Primary liver cancer originates in the liver, while secondary liver cancer begins in another part of the body and spreads to the liver:

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

This is the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for about 75% of all cases. It typically develops in people with chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C, or cirrhosis.

Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)

This type begins in the bile ducts within the liver, It is less common than HCC but often more aggressive and harder to detect early.

Hepatoblastoma

A rare type of liver cancer that usually affects children under the age of 3, It has a good prognosis if detected and treated early.

Angiosarcoma

A rare and fast-growing cancer that starts in the blood vessels of the liver, it is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Secondary (Metastatic) Liver Cancer

More common than primary liver cancer, this occurs when cancer from another organ—such as the colon, breast, or lungs—spreads to the liver.

Stages of liver cancer

Types of liver cancer and staging is essential to determine the extent of the disease and to guide treatment decisions, the most widely used system for staging liver cancer is the TNM system developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), along with other classification methods like the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, here is a general overview of the stages based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis:

Stage I

A single tumor is present in the liver, and it has not spread to any blood vessels, lymph nodes, or distant sites. The liver still functions relatively well.

Stage II

The tumor has either grown into nearby blood vessels or there are multiple small tumors, but there is still no spread to lymph nodes or distant parts of the body.

Stage III

This stage is divided into subgroups:

• Stage IIIA Multiple tumors, with at least one larger than 5 cm.
• Stage IIIB The cancer has spread to major blood vessels in the liver.
• Stage IIIC The cancer has invaded nearby organs (except the gallbladder) or has penetrated the lining of the liver.

Stage IV

This is the most advanced stage and is also divided into:

• Stage IVA The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IVB The cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs or bones (metastasis).

Signs and symptoms of liver cancer

Types of liver cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, As the disease progresses, symptoms may begin to appear and can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, Common signs and symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort, especially on the right side.
• Swelling or bloating in the abdomen.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• General weakness and fatigue.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
• Dark-colored urine and pale stools.
• Itchy skin.
• Enlarged liver or spleen, detectable during a physical exam.
• Fever, in some cases.

Diagnosis of liver cancer

Diagnosing liver cancer involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory analysis, Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment planning, the main diagnostic methods include:

Medical History and Physical Exam

The doctor reviews the patient’s symptoms, risk factors (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis), and conducts a physical examination to check for signs like liver enlargement or abdominal swelling.

Blood Tests

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Assess how well the liver is working.
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Test: Elevated AFP levels may indicate liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Hepatitis B and C Testing: These viruses are major risk factors for liver cancer.

Imaging Tests

• Ultrasound: Often the first test used to detect tumors in the liver.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed cross-sectional images to evaluate tumor size and spread.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers more precise images of liver tissue and blood vessels.
• Angiography: A specialized imaging test to examine blood vessels in the liver.

Biopsy

In certain cases, a liver biopsy may be performed where a small tissue sample is taken from the liver and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis, However, biopsies are not always necessary if imaging and blood tests strongly suggest cancer.

Staging Tests

Additional tests may be conducted to determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs or lymph nodes, which helps in staging the disease.

Treatment of liver cancer

The treatment of liver cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, liver function, overall health, and whether the cancer has spread, Treatment options aim to remove or destroy the tumor, slow its growth, and manage symptoms, the main approaches include:

Surgical Treatments

• Liver Resection (Hepatectomy): Removal of the tumor along with a portion of the liver, this is an option if the cancer is confined to one area and the rest of the liver is healthy.
• Liver Transplantation: Replacement of the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver, it is ideal for patients with early-stage cancer and severe liver damage.

Ablation Therapies

These methods destroy cancer cells without removing them and are suitable for small tumors or patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Embolization Therapies

These treatments block the blood supply to the tumor to starve it of nutrients.

Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)

Transarterial Radioembolization (TARE) or Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT)

Targeted Therapy

Drugs like sorafenib, lenvatinib, or regorafenib are used to block cancer growth by targeting specific molecules involved in tumor development.

Immunotherapy

Medications such as nivolumab or atezolizumab with bevacizumab help boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively.

Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells, typically when surgery isn’t an option or to relieve symptoms.

Palliative Care

For advanced cases, the focus may shift to symptom relief and improving quality of life through pain management, nutritional support, and psychological care.

Types of liver cancer presents its own challenges and requires a tailored medical approach, Early detection through regular screening, especially in high-risk individuals, plays a critical role in increasing survival rates, as research advances, there is growing hope for more effective treatments and a better quality of life for those affected by this serious disease.

What is the most common type of primary liver cancer?

The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for about 75% of all liver cancer cases, it usually develops in people with chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis.

Are there different types of liver cancer in children and adults?

Yes, liver cancer types can differ by age, Hepatoblastoma is a rare type of liver cancer that mainly affects children, usually under the age of 3, In adults, the most common types are hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

How does metastatic liver cancer differ from primary liver cancer?

Primary liver cancer starts in the liver itself, while metastatic (secondary) liver cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body, such as the colon, breast, or lungs, Metastatic liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer.

Take the first step toward healing – Book your liver cancer consultation today at Bete Care Clinic and get expert care you can trust.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen – Early treatment saves lives. Contact Bete Care now and speak with our liver cancer specialists.

Your health matters, Let Bete Care provide you with advanced, compassionate treatment options for liver cancer – Schedule an appointment now.

How to Contact Beta Care Center?

There are several ways to get in touch with Beta Care Center. The most important methods include visiting the Beta Care website [here] to book an appointment, or visiting the center at 53 University of Arab Nations Street, Mohandessin, Giza. You can also contact the center by calling 015 55 932 832 or sending an email to info@betacarecenter.com.