Cancer of the Liver
Cancer in the liver most commonly arises by spread from cancers elsewhere, particularly the gut, as is to be expected since all the blood from the gut drains through the liver. Cancer arising principally from liver cells is called hepatocellular carcinoma. It is relatively uncommon in the Western World but can occur as a complication of cirrhosis. It is much more common in countries where hepatitis B and hepatitis C are widespread, since chronic infection with these agents predisposes to its development. While it is sometimes possible to remove an isolated tumour from a part of the liver, treatment is usually ineffective.
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