From the Guidelines
A hepatoma is a primary liver cancer, specifically a type of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), that originates in the liver cells called hepatocytes. This malignant tumor develops within the liver tissue itself rather than spreading from another part of the body. Hepatomas typically occur in people with chronic liver disease, particularly those with cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol abuse, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as noted in the study by 1. The tumor can range from a single mass to multiple nodules throughout the liver. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, and swelling of the abdomen, though early-stage hepatomas are often asymptomatic.
According to the most recent and highest quality study by 1, the major risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, regardless of etiology. Specific risk factors include viral infections caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), chronic alcohol consumption, particular comorbidities or other conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, genetic hemochromatosis, coinfection with HBV/HCV, and HIV.
Treatment options depend on the size, location, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall liver function, and may include surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapies, embolization procedures, or systemic treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy, as discussed in the study by 1. Early detection through regular screening of high-risk individuals is crucial for improving survival rates, as hepatomas can grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. The study by 1 emphasizes the importance of careful patient selection for treatment and patient engagement, and recommends that all patients be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team prior to initiation of treatment.
Key points to consider in the management of hepatoma include:
- The importance of early detection and screening for high-risk individuals
- The need for careful patient selection for treatment and patient engagement
- The role of multidisciplinary teams in evaluating and managing patients with hepatoma
- The various treatment options available, including surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation therapies, embolization procedures, and systemic treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition of Hepatoma
- A hepatoma is also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most commonly diagnosed primary liver tumor with an increasing incidence worldwide 2.
- It is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the majority of cases arise within the background of liver cirrhosis, most commonly related to chronic hepatitis B and C viral infection 3.
- HCC is the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide and is a rising cause of cancer-related mortality, with risk factors including cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus 4.
Characteristics of Hepatoma
- Hepatoma is a type of cancer that originates in the liver, and its management is largely dictated by the presence of cirrhosis, disease stage, underlying liver function, and patient performance status 2.
- The majority of HCC appears to be caused by cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus, and preventive strategies include vaccination programs and anti-viral treatments 4.
- Surgical treatment options for hepatoma include liver resection and transplantation, which remain cornerstone treatment options for patients with early-stage disease and constitute the only potentially curative options for HCC 2, 3.
Treatment Options for Hepatoma
- Liver transplantation is offered to patients who are within the Milan criteria and are not candidates for hepatic resection, and it offers leading results to achieve a cure 4, 5.
- In patients with advanced stage disease, sorafenib shows some survival benefit, and other treatment options include systemic and local therapy, which must be tailored to each patient 4, 5.
- Surgical strategies adapted to local resources and policies, such as hepatitis B prevalence, organ availability, etc., may also be beneficial for patients with hepatoma 6.