Aetiology
Mesothelial carcinoma of the liver is a rare cancer that arises from the mesothelial cells that line the liver and bile ducts. It is most commonly seen in patients with a history of chronic inflammation of the liver or bile ducts, cirrhosis, or exposure to certain toxins or radiation. It is also associated with certain genetic mutations.
Diagnosis
Mesothelial carcinoma of the liver is usually diagnosed with imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI, as well as tissue biopsy.
Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of mesothelial carcinoma of the liver includes other liver cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, as well as other malignancies such as pancreatic cancer and lymphoma.
Treatment
The primary treatment for mesothelial carcinoma of the liver is surgical resection of the affected area. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation may be recommended to reduce the size of the tumor prior to surgery.
Prognosis
The prognosis for mesothelial carcinoma of the liver depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. The 5-year survival rate for patients with localized disease is about 60-70%, and for those with advanced disease, it is about 10-20%.