adult hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults is a type of liver cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the liver grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Characteristics of HCC:

• Most common type of primary liver cancer: HCC accounts for over 90% of all primary liver cancers in adults.
• Usually occurs in people with underlying chronic liver disease: Conditions such as hepatitis B and C infections, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease increase the risk of developing HCC.
• More common in men than women: Men are more likely to develop HCC than women.
• Typically diagnosed in people age 50 or older: The majority of HCC cases occur in individuals over the age of 50.

Symptoms:

• Often asymptomatic in early stages: Many people with HCC do not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed.
• Abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue: As the tumor grows, it can cause discomfort, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Jaundice and ascites: In advanced cases, HCC can lead to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

Diagnosis:

• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound are used to visualize the liver and detect tumors.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the tumor to confirm the diagnosis.
• Blood tests: Liver function tests and tumor markers can help identify HCC.

Treatment options:

• Surgery: Surgical resection or transplantation may be possible for early-stage HCC.
• Ablation therapies: Minimally invasive procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation, can destroy the tumor.
• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): A procedure that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor while blocking blood flow.

Prognosis:

• Depends on stage and overall health: The prognosis for HCC patients varies depending on the stage of the disease, liver function, and overall health.
• Early detection improves outcomes: Catching HCC in its early stages significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and improved survival rates.

References:

[1] - Apr 28, 2023 — Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs most often in people with chronic liver disease. [2] - by AL Thiesen · 2021 · Cited by 2 — The most common sites of metastases are lungs, abdominal cavity, and lymph nodes. [3] - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, occurs when a tumor grows on the liver. It is responsible for over 12,000 deaths per year in the United States. [8] - Aug 28, 2023 — Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. It occurs more often in men than women. It is most often diagnosed in people age 50 or older. [9] - by JM Schwartz · Cited by 10 — Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary tumor of the liver that usually develops in the setting of

Common Signs and Symptoms of Adult Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Adult HCC, a type of liver cancer, can manifest in various ways. While some people may not experience any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages, others may exhibit one or more of the following signs:

• Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom, often accompanied by a decrease in appetite [2].
• Abdominal pain or tenderness: Pain in the upper-right part of the abdomen, particularly on the right side, can be a sign of HCC [6][7].
• Easy bruising or bleeding: Easy bruising and bleeding are symptoms that may occur due to platelet abnormalities associated with liver disease [6].
• Enlarged abdomen (ascites): Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity can cause swelling and discomfort [6].
• Weakness and tiredness: Fatigue is a common symptom, often reported by patients with advanced HCC [7][8].

Additional Symptoms

Other symptoms that may be associated with adult HCC include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Right upper quadrant mass
• Unexplained deterioration

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other conditions, and a definitive diagnosis of HCC requires medical evaluation and testing.

References: [1] - Not applicable (no relevant information found in the context) [2] - Apr 1, 2019 [3] - Jun 23, 2017 [4] - Is liver cancer a common disease? (not directly related to symptoms) [5] - Jun 6, 2022 [6] - Jun 23, 2017 [7] - Aug 14, 2024 [8] - May 7, 2024

Diagnostic Tests for Adult Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer that can be diagnosed using various diagnostic tests. Here are some of the common diagnostic tests used to diagnose HCC in adults:

• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play a key role in diagnosing HCC. These tests can help identify liver tumors and determine their characteristics [3].
• Serum Tumor Marker: The serum tumor marker alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) is commonly used to diagnose HCC. Elevated levels of AFP in the blood can indicate the presence of liver cancer [1].
• Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of HCC. This involves taking a sample of liver tissue and examining it under a microscope for cancer cells [1].

Diagnostic Tests Used to Diagnose HCC

The following diagnostic tests are used to diagnose HCC:

• Ultrasound
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Gadoxetate MRI
• Liver Biopsy

These tests can help identify liver tumors and determine their characteristics, which is essential for diagnosing HCC [6].

References

[1] ES Bialecki · 2005 · Cited by 435 — Diagnostic tools commonly used include the serum tumor marker alfa-fetoprotein (AFP), radiographic imaging, and liver biopsy.

[2] Oct 14, 2024 — The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can often be established on the basis of noninvasive imaging, without biopsy confirmation.

[3] by MH Attwa · 2015 · Cited by 301 — Imaging studies for diagnosis of HCC can fall into one of two main categories: routine non-invasive studies such as US, CT, and MRI, and more specialized ...

[4] Apr 1, 2019 — MRI scans can be very helpful in looking at liver tumors. Sometimes they can tell a benign tumor from a malignant one.

[5] Imaging Tests · Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of your liver.

[6] by JM Schwartz · Cited by 10 — - Computed tomography · - Magnetic resonance imaging · Gadoxetate MRI · - Ultrasound.

Treatment Options for Adult Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Adult HCC can be treated with various drug therapies, depending on the stage and overall health of the patient.

• Molecular targeted therapy: This type of treatment has revolutionized HCC systemic treatment. It involves targeting specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression [2].
• Immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy: This approach has shown promise in treating HCC by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells [2].

First-Line Therapies

The following drug combinations are approved as first-line treatments for adult HCC:

• Tremelimumab (Imjudo) and durvalumab (Imfinzi): This combination was approved by the FDA in 2024 for the treatment of adult HCC [4].
• Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab: This combination is another option for first-line therapy, as recommended by clinical guidelines [5].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these drug therapies, other treatments may be considered depending on the patient's overall health and tumor characteristics:

• Sorafenib: This drug has been used in the treatment of HCC, particularly in patients with liver cancer caused by hepatitis C [1].
• Regorafenib (Stivarga) and cabozantinib (Cabometyx): These drugs may also be considered as part of a treatment plan for adult HCC.

References

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5

Differential Diagnoses for Adult Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

The differential diagnosis for HCC in adults involves a range of conditions that can mimic the presentation and characteristics of HCC. Some of these conditions include:

• Benign hepatocellular tumors: These are non-cancerous growths on the liver, such as hepatocellular adenomas or focal nodular hyperplasia.
• Dysplastic nodules: These are small, abnormal growths on the liver that can be precursors to HCC.
• Metastatic disease: Cancer that has spread from another part of the body to the liver.
• Primary hepatic lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that begins in the liver.

Key Factors for Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of HCC is often based on a combination of clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. Some key factors to consider include:

• Imaging characteristics: The appearance of the tumor on imaging studies such as CT or MRI scans can be helpful in distinguishing HCC from other conditions.
• Histopathological features: The microscopic examination of tissue samples can provide important clues about the nature of the tumor.
• Clinical presentation: The symptoms and signs presented by the patient, such as liver function tests, can also be useful in making a differential diagnosis.

References

• [2] The distinction and detection of hepatocellular carcinoma is based on changes of vascularization including the presence of unpaired arteries and capillarization ...
• [3] The differential diagnosis in this context is usually between HCC and benign hepatocellular tumors such as hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia.
• [8] The differential diagnosis of a hepatic tumor with cytoplasmic fat includes hepatic adenoma, angiomyolipoma, and fat-containing metastasis. Hepatic adenoma ...
• [10] The differential diagnosis of HCC includes benign pathological processes, for instance, dysplastic nodule in a cirrhotic liver while hepatic adenoma, focal ...