The liver is the largest organ of the body, containing a variety of cells that perform over 500 jobs, many to clean the blood. The main tasks are: to metabolise fats, proteins and carbohydrates; to produce and excrete bile, aiding digestion; storing minerals, vitamins and energy as glycogen; synthesising blood proteins and clotting factors; and clearing and excreting drugs, hormones and cholesterol.
Primary liver cancer is rarer but there are many cell types, all of which could produce cancers. The commonest primary is a hepatocellular carcinoma, which occurs more in people with long-term liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C, and in those who drink heavily or have cirrhosis. There is also a higher risk in people with fatty liver, diabetes and a family history.
Secondary liver cancer occurs where cancer cells spread through the blood (metastasis) from many other cancer types, such as breast, bowel, pancreas, stomach and lung, and skin tumours. Less common neuroendocrine tumours can also come from the hormone-producing tissue of the stomach, lung and bowels, and move in the blood to the liver.
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Denne historien er fra February 25, 2020-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest