Types of liver cancer
Primary liver cancer is rare in the UK, but the number of people developing it is increasing. The most common type is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Types of primary liver cancer
There are different types of primary liver cancer:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Fibrolamellar HCC
- Bile duct cancer
- Angiosarcoma
- Hepatoblastoma
We also have information about cancer that starts somewhere else in the body and spreads to the liver. This is called secondary cancer in the liver.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It is sometimes called hepatoma. It starts in the main cells of the liver, called hepatocytes.
The liver cancer information on our website is about HCC.
Fibrolamellar HCC
Fibrolamellar HCC is a rare type of primary liver cancer that usually affects younger people. The causes and risk factors are not known.
The British Liver Trust has more information about Fibrolamellar HCC.
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is another type of primary liver cancer. It starts in the cells lining the bile duct.
Related pages
Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma is a very rare type of liver cancer. It starts in the blood vessels of the liver. It is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Angiosarcomas can also start in other blood vessels or in lymph vessels.
Related pages
Hepatoblastoma
Hepatoblastoma is a very rare type of liver cancer that usually affects children. The Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group has more information.
Benign tumours in the liver
There are some types of liver tumours that are not cancerous. These are called benign tumours. They are usually small and are often found by chance – for example, when a person is having a scan for another reason.
There are different types of benign tumours, including a hepatic adenoma. In some people, it might develop into a cancerous or malignant tumour over time. Doctors can monitor these tumours and identify whether they are at risk of becoming malignant. If a tumour is higher risk, doctors usually advise having surgery to the liver as soon as possible to remove it.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our primary liver cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
ESMO Guidelines Committee. Updated treatment recommendations for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. eUpdate. March 2021. Available from: www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-gastrointestinal-cancers/hepatocellular-carcinoma-esmo-clinical-practice-guidelines-for-diagnosis-treatment-and-follow-up/eupdate-hepatocellular-carcinoma-treatment-recommendations [accessed April 2023].
Huang QD, Teng MLP. Hepatocellular carcinoma – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. BMJ Best Practice Guidelines. 2022. Available from: www.bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/369 [accessed March 2023].
Vogel A, Cervantes A, Chau I, Daniele B, Llovet JM, Meyer T, et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Oncology. 2018;29(4): 238–255. Available from: www.doi.org/10.1093/annonc/mdy308 [accessed April 2023].
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