Hepatobiliary tumors

Abstract

Primary hepatobiliary tumors, arising from hepatocytes, liver mesenchyma or biliary tract, are relatively rare in Germany and other western countries, but among the leading causes of death worldwide [1,3]. Mortality rates in Germany and the USA are comparable: 1.8 for males and 0.6 for females. In contrast, the mortality is much higher in Japan and Hong Kong. Primary liver malignancies have a poor prognosis, because most patients die within one year after diagnosis [17]. Anorexia and cachexia of malignancy are the most frequent causes of death. Age rates of patients with hepatobiliary tumors show a peak between 50 and 69. The geographical distribution of primary liver cancer reflects the different prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection, which is much higher in Asia and Africa. Other well-known risk conditions for the development of primary liver neoplasm are chronic infections with hepatitis C virus, alcoholic liver disease, hemochromatosis, tyrosinemia, oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids and cirrhosis [17]. Food contamination with aflatoxins has been identified as another risk factor for hepatocellular carcinomas. Malignant tumors of the gall bladder exhibit both a higher incidence and mortality in females than in males [1]. The prognosis of gall bladder carcinomas is also poor. Cholelithiasis is a proven risk factor for the development of gall bladder tumors.