Liver, Bile Duct, and Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer in the liver and bile ducts is an increasing problem in the world but relatively uncommon in the Nordic countries. It is, however, common for daughter tumours (metastases) to spread to the liver from other organs, such as the intestines, for example.

Liver cirrhosis is a common cause of liver cancer, so is inflammation caused by hepatitis C virus.
The primary treatment of malignant liver cancer is an operation. The tumour and adjoining liver tissue is removed. In more severe cases, a transplant can be appropriate. An alternative form of treatment is heat treatment with radio waves (radio frequency ablation).
Cancer in the pancreas spreads quickly, but is detected in late stages, which makes this disease the deadliest form of cancer.
Scientists in LiU are concentrating on the factors behind these cancers, such as the role of nitric oxides, and the development of minimally invasive surgery requiring fewer operating procedures.

• Physiology and Pathophysiology in the Hepato-biliary Tract and Pancreas - from Cell biology to Clinical Applications