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The most frequent liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all primary liver cancers, is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). [15] HCC is a cancer formed by liver cells, known as hepatocytes, that become malignant. In terms of cancer deaths, worldwide HCC is considered the 3rd most common cause of cancer mortalities. [16]
The typical hepatocyte is cubical with sides of 20-30 μm, (in comparison, a human hair has a diameter of 17 to 180 μm). [1] The typical volume of a hepatocyte is 3.4 x 10 −9 cm 3. [2] Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is abundant in hepatocytes, in contrast to most other cell types. [3]
Tumor markers, chemicals sometimes found in the blood of people with cancer, can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring the course of liver cancers. High levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the blood can be found in many cases of HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
In many developing countries cancer incidence, insofar as this can be measured, appears much lower, most likely because of the higher death rates due to infectious disease or injury. With the increased control over malaria and tuberculosis in some Third World countries, incidence of cancer is expected to rise.
In 2010, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 52.8 million people died. [2] In 2016, the WHO recorded 56.7 million deaths [ 3 ] with the leading cause of death as cardiovascular disease causing more than 17 million deaths (about 31% of the total) as shown in the chart to the side.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver cancer, and the most common cause of death in people with cirrhosis. [153] Screening using an ultrasound with or without cancer markers such as alpha-fetoprotein can detect this cancer and is often carried out for early signs which has been shown to improve outcomes.
Hepatocytes constitute about 80% of the cell population of the liver, with the other 20% being occupied by Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, endothelial cells and mesothelial cells, which are not exactly characteristic of the liver, but are present in the liver samples. [2] Histologically speaking, hepatocytes have specific characteristics.
A prospective study found that increased hepatocellular cancer risk is associated with higher levels of major circulating bile acids that were measured in people several years prior to tumor diagnosis. [104] In another study using a mouse model, it was found that dysregulated hepatic bile acids collaboratively promote liver carcinogenesis. [105]