What Separates Primary From Secondary Liver Cancer?

One of the most vital organs in the body, the liver performs several essential tasks for good general health. Sadly, it is also susceptible to cancer, which may be classified as primary or secondary liver cancer. Although both conditions affect the liver, the causes, origins, and methods of therapy are quite different.

Compared to secondary liver cancer, primary liver cancer
According to Dr. RV Raghunandan, Senior Consultant, Radiant Oncologist, HCG MNG Cancer Centre, Ongole, “Primary liver cancer typically results from chronic liver disease, viral infections, or other risk factors. It grows inside the liver. On the other hand, secondary liver cancer results from the cancer spreading from another main organ in the body. The specialist looks at the basic characteristics of primary and secondary liver cancer.

Primary Liver Cancer: What Is It?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sometimes referred to as primary liver cancer, is a kind of cancer that arises in the liver. It accounts for around 75–85% of liver cancer cases and is the most common kind. Primary liver cancer is more likely to occur in people with underlying liver disease, such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B or C infection.

primary causes of liver cancer
Chronic liver disease: Cirrhosis, in particular, is thought to be a significant risk factor for developing primary liver cancer. Chronic liver inflammation and damage might lead to the growth of cancerous cells.
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection raises the chance of developing primary liver cancer. These viruses may inflame the liver, resulting in cellular changes that aid in the development of cancer.
Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking over a lengthy period of time may harm the liver and raise the risk of developing primary liver cancer.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): NAFLD may progress to cirrhosis and increase the risk of liver cancer. It is often linked to obesity and the metabolic syndrome.
Genetic Factors: Primary liver cancer risk may also be raised by a number of inherited conditions, including hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease.
Treatment options for primary liver cancer include surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The course of therapy will depend on the cancer’s stage, the patient’s general health, and other relevant variables.

Why can secondary liver cancer occur?
When cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the liver from another bodily organ, it is referred to as secondary liver cancer or metastatic liver cancer. This form of cancer may arise in a number of organs, such as the lungs, colon, breast, and pancreas, and it is far more common than primary liver cancer.