What is the most common type of primary liver cancer?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 80-90% of all liver cancer cases. It arises from hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver. Several factors contribute to the development of HCC, including chronic viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis B and C), cirrhosis, and exposure to aflatoxins.

The prevalence of HCC can be attributed to the increasing incidence of liver diseases associated with viral infections and metabolic syndromes, leading to a higher burden of chronic liver disease globally. In contrast, other types of liver cancer like cholangiocarcinoma, which arises from the bile ducts, and hepatic angiosarcoma, which originates from blood vessels, are relatively rare. Hepatoblastoma, a tumor typically found in children, is also less common when compared to HCC.

Understanding the dominance of HCC in the landscape of liver malignancies is crucial for clinical practice, as it influences surveillance strategies, management approaches, and treatment options for patients with chronic liver disease or risk factors associated with liver cancer.