What is Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare type of liver cancer that typically affects the adolescents and younger populations without any underlying liver disease.
Disease Epidemiology
It is a rare type of cancer with an incidence of 0.02 per 100,000 in the United States. Worldwide data on the incidence of fibrolamellar carcinoma is still lacking. It is most common among the white non-Hispanic population. Very few cases of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma are found in Chinese Americans, Blacks, and White Hispanics. The average age of onset is 25 years, but it can also occur in older people. It is more common in men than in women.
Disease Causes
There is no well-known cause, but there is an association between hepatitis B virus infection and the development of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- Repeated pain in the abdomen
- Yellowish discolouration of the skin and the eyes (Jaundice)
- Constant body itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Development of female-like appearance of breasts in males
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood coagulation profile
- BUN ( blood urea and nitrogen)
- Serum creatinine
- Liver function tests LFTs
- Amylase and lipase values
- Imaging techniques like CT scan, MRI, PET scan, X-Ray, and USG to detect the site and size of the tumour.
- Cholangioscopy (USG of the gall bladder and biliary tree)
- ·Cholangiography
- MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- Serum bilirubin total, serum bilirubin conjugated and unconjugated
- Preoperative biopsy
Treatment
Surgical removal of the tumour is the most common and effective treatment option. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the treatment options in the advanced metastasis cases of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
What Support can we Give for Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma?
Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma is rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. So, we provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from rare cancer such as Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
