Upper GI

Bilary Cancer

Liver lesions are abnormal growths or areas of damage in the liver. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in detoxifying the body, producing bile for digestion, and storing nutrients.

Benign Liver Lesions:
- Haemangioma: A common, benign blood vessel tumour.
- Hepatic Adenoma: A rare, benign tumour often associated with the use of oral contraceptives or anabolic steroids.
- Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH): A benign growth often found in young women.
- Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that are usually benign.
Malignant Liver Lesions:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): The most common type of primary liver cancer, often associated with chronic liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer that forms in the bile ducts.
- Metastatic Liver Cancer: Cancer that has spread to the liver from other parts of the body, such as the colon, breast, or lung.

Chronic Liver Diseases: Hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Genetic Conditions: Hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease.
Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol abuse, obesity.
Medications: Long-term use of oral contraceptives or anabolic steroids.
Family History: Genetic predisposition to liver conditions.

Asymptomatic: Many liver lesions are found incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions.
Abdominal Pain: Especially in the upper right quadrant.
Swelling: Abdominal swelling or a palpable mass.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and weakness.
Nausea and Vomiting: Especially if the lesion affects liver function.

Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: Often the first imaging test to detect liver lesions.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver.
- MRI: Offers detailed images and helps distinguish between different types of lesions.
- PET Scan: Used to detect cancer spread.
Blood Tests:
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Assess the liver’s overall function.
- Tumour Markers: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for HCC, CA 19-9 for cholangiocarcinoma, CEA for metastatic colon cancer.
Biopsy: A sample of liver tissue is taken for microscopic examination to determine if a lesion is benign or malignant.

Benign Lesions

Observation: Many benign lesions do not require treatment and are monitored for changes.
Surgery: If the lesion causes symptoms or complications, surgical removal may be necessary.

Malignant Lesions

Surgery: Surgical resection of the tumour, often the best option for early-stage cancer.
Liver Transplant: For certain cases of HCC or other extensive liver diseases.
Ablation Therapy: Techniques like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation to destroy cancer cells.
Embolization: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radioembolization to block blood supply to the tumour.
Radiation Therapy: External beam radiation or selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT).
Chemotherapy: Systemic chemotherapy or targeted drugs like sorafenib for advanced HCC.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the immune system attack cancer cells, such as nivolumab.

Dr Wang and his team are respected and trusted for the care provided to their patients

Regular Monitoring: Follow-up imaging and blood tests to monitor for recurrence or new lesions.
Liver Health: Managing underlying liver conditions and maintaining liver health.
Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet.

New or worsening symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss.
Symptoms of liver dysfunction, such as confusion or easy bruising.
Signs of infection at a biopsy site, including fever, redness, or swelling.