This section covers only primary liver cancer in adults. The subtypes of primary liver cancer in adults are known as the cell type from which they operate, and are detailed below:
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma may follow different growth patterns. Some develop growths in the form of tentacles by the liver. This pattern is most common in the United States. Others begin as a single tumor that spreads to other areas of the body at a late stage of the disease. However, other develop as nodules in different places of the liver. Sometimes the pattern is not clear.
The majority (approximately 90%) cases of primary liver cancer in adults are hepatocellular carcinomas.
Cholangiocarcinoma
(Also called bile duct cancer)
Cholangiocarcinomas grow from bile duct cells of the liver. The bile duct is a thin tube that extends from the liver to the small intestine. The bile duct starts inside the liver and several smaller tubes being joined.
Approximately 9% of cases of primary liver cancer in adults are cholangiocarcinomas. For more information, see the Guidelines for bile duct cancer (in English).
Angiosarcoma
Angiosarcoma begins in blood vessels of the liver and is growing rapidly.
Approximately 1% of cases of primary liver cancer in adults are angiosarcomas. For more information, read the Guide to the sarcoma.
Tags: Angiosarcoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Liver cancer, Liver Cancer in Adults, primary liver cancer, Types of Primary Liver Cancer in Adults,