The difference between primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer

Written by Sun Wei
Surgical Oncology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Primary liver cancer, also commonly referred to as liver cancer, originates in the liver itself and is not transferred from other parts of the body. Secondary liver cancer occurs when the primary tumor originates in another location and then metastasizes to the liver, causing hepatic space-occupying lesions; this is referred to as secondary liver cancer. The main difference between the two types is their origin. Additionally, primary liver cancer is often solitary but may develop intrahepatic or distant metastases as the disease progresses. In cases of secondary liver cancer, multiple intrahepatic metastatic lesions may be discovered at the onset. Moreover, primary liver cancer may often display an elevated alpha-fetoprotein tumor marker, whereas this marker might be normal in secondary liver cancer.

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Can alpha-fetoprotein confirm liver cancer?

Alpha-fetoprotein is a type of oncofetal antigen and a glycoprotein. It is used clinically as a highly specific marker for diagnosing primary liver cancer. However, elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels do not definitively indicate liver cancer, as although it is a tumor marker with diagnostic significance, elevated levels can also be seen in patients with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis. Additionally, increased alpha-fetoprotein can occur in pregnant women or in the presence of other types of cancer, so further investigation is necessary to confirm the cause.

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Will Hepatitis B "big three yang" turn into liver cancer?

Patients with severe hepatitis B, if not treated in time or improperly or for an inadequate duration, may progress to develop liver cirrhosis. A portion of those with cirrhosis might then develop liver cancer. Therefore, patients with severe hepatitis B could potentially develop liver cancer if left untreated or not properly treated. Therefore, once diagnosed with hepatitis B, particularly severe forms, prompt and standardized treatment should be sought to achieve an antiviral response against hepatitis B and prevent the occurrence of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

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Can an MRI detect liver cancer?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect liver cancer. MRI has a high resolution for soft tissues and can multi-dimensionally present the water content and fat content in liver cancer, producing specific signals. MRI can clearly show the size, signal, shape, and the surrounding tissues of liver cancer. It can even detect small liver cancers as tiny as three millimeters and is a preferred method of imaging, more precise than CT.

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Written by Sun Wei
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The difference between primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer

Primary liver cancer, also commonly referred to as liver cancer, originates in the liver itself and is not transferred from other parts of the body. Secondary liver cancer occurs when the primary tumor originates in another location and then metastasizes to the liver, causing hepatic space-occupying lesions; this is referred to as secondary liver cancer. The main difference between the two types is their origin. Additionally, primary liver cancer is often solitary but may develop intrahepatic or distant metastases as the disease progresses. In cases of secondary liver cancer, multiple intrahepatic metastatic lesions may be discovered at the onset. Moreover, primary liver cancer may often display an elevated alpha-fetoprotein tumor marker, whereas this marker might be normal in secondary liver cancer.

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How is liver cancer diagnosed?

In clinical practice, if a patient has a history of chronic hepatitis B and imaging tests, such as an enhanced CT or MRI of the liver, suggest a radiological appearance of liver cancer, combined with an AFP level greater than 400 persisting for four weeks, these conditions can support a clinical diagnosis of liver cancer. However, for a confirmed diagnosis, a liver biopsy guided by ultrasound or CT must be performed. The definitive diagnosis of liver cancer relies on identifying cancer cells through pathological examination.