Liver Cancer
There are two main types of liver cancer that have been linked to the presence of liver cysts, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer, and it typically occurs in people with chronic hepatitis C or other underlying liver diseases. On the other hand, cholangiocarcinoma is a rarer form of primary liver cancer that arises from the cells lining the bile ducts.
In some cases, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma can be caused by inherited disorders like hemochromatosis or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Both types of liver cancer can be difficult to treat because they often do not cause symptoms until they have already advanced to a late stage.
Several risk factors for developing liver cancer include chronic hepatitis C or B infection, liver cirrhosis, chronic alcoholism, eating foods contaminated with aflatoxins, and hemochromatosis. While there is a link between liver cancer and liver cysts, it’s important to remember that most people with liver cysts will never develop cancer.
