Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the liver, a vital organ responsible for filtering blood, processing nutrients, and breaking down toxins. This cancer is among the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, primarily due to its typically late diagnosis and aggressive nature. Liver cancer is more prevalent in regions where hepatitis B and C are common, and it can also be linked to chronic conditions like cirrhosis and obesity.

It’s crucial to recognize that not all liver tumors are malignant; some are benign. Benign liver tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of the body or invade surrounding tissues. While they are not life-threatening, they can sometimes cause symptoms depending on their size and location within the liver. Certain benign liver conditions might increase the risk of developing malignant liver tumors over time. Therefore, any abnormal findings or symptoms related to liver function should be thoroughly evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine if they are benign or malignant and to understand their potential impact on future health.

The liver can be affected either by primary liver cancer which arises in the liver, or secondary or metastatic cancer, which originates elsewhere in the body. Primary liver cancer tends to occur when the liver is damaged in the form of cirrhosis (a scarring condition of the liver), certain birth defects, alcohol abuse, chronic infection with diseases such as hepatitis B and C, hemochromatosis, obesity and fatty liver disease amongst others.