Types of primary liver cancer

There are different types of primary liver cancer. They are usually named after the types of cells from which it is thought the cancer has developed. Knowing the exact type of cancer helps the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Back to top

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main type of primary liver cancer and approximately 85 out of every 100 (85%) primary liver cancers are this type. It’s sometimes known as hepatoma and arises in the main cells of the liver called hepatocytes. HCC is usually confined to the liver, although occasionally it spreads to other organs. It’s more common in men and occurs mostly in people with cirrhosis.

There is a rarer sub-type of HCC called fibrolamellar HCC, which usually occurs in younger women and isn’t related to previous liver disease. 

Cholangiocarcinoma Back to top

This type of cancer starts in the cells that line the bile duct and is sometimes called bile duct cancer|. Cholangiocarcinoma is more common in women.

Rarer types of liver cancer Back to top

There are two rare types of primary liver cancer:

• Angiosarcomas are very rare. They develop in the blood vessels of the liver and are sometimes known as haemangiosarcomas. They tend to occur in people over 70.
• Hepatoblastomas are very rare and usually affect young children under three.

Benign liver tumours Back to top

Some primary tumours in the liver are non-cancerous (benign) and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They are usually small and may cause no symptoms. They are often discovered by chance during operations or investigations for other conditions. Unless they are causing symptoms they don’t usually need to be removed. Benign liver tumours don’t turn into cancer.