About Liver Tumors

Types of Tumors

A tumor is a growth of tissue in which the tissue cells multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. Tumors can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common benign tumors of the liver are cavernous hemangioma, hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia. Adenoma is a much more rare form of benign tumor which may arise in the liver. These benign tumors stay in the liver and do not spread to other areas or organs of the body. Malignant tumors of the liver are classified as being either primary (originating in the liver) or metastatic (spread from another body organ to the liver).

Causes of Liver Tumors

Chronic liver disease, especially if complicated by cirrhosis, can lead to liver cancer. This is especially true for liver disease due to hepatitis B or C viruses, hemochromatosis (iron overload) and alcoholic liver disease. Metastatic or secondary tumors of the liver come from cancer originating elsewhere in the body. Because the liver filters blood from all parts of the body, it is often the site in which cancer cells will lodge and develop into metastatic nodules. An enlarged liver secondary to cancer may be an early sign of cancer in other organs. Secondary or metastatic cancer should not be confused with primary cancer of the liver (also called hepatocellular carcinoma).