| Expert,Simple | |
| Intrahepatic bile duct cancers,Intrahepatic bile duct cancers | |
| These cancers start in the smaller bile duct branches inside the liver. ,These cancers start in the smaller bile duct branches inside the liver. | |
| "Sometimes they're confused with cancers that start in the liver cells ( hepatocellular carcinomas ), and they are often treated the same way.","Sometimes they are confused with cancers that start in the liver cells ( hepatocellular carcinomas ), and they usually get the same treatment." | |
| Perihilar (also called hilar) bile duct cancers,Perihilar (also called hilar) bile duct cancers | |
| "These cancers start at the hilum, where the left and right hepatic ducts have joined and are just leaving the liver. ","These cancers start at the hilum, where the left and right hepatic ducts have joined and are just leaving the liver. " | |
| These are also called Klatskin tumors. ,These cancers are also called Klatskin tumors. | |
| These cancers are grouped with distal bile duct cancers as extrahepatic bile duct cancers .,These cancers are grouped with distal bile duct cancers as extrahepatic bile duct cancers . | |
| Distal bile duct cancers,Distal bile duct cancers | |
| "These cancers are found farther down the bile duct, closer to the small intestine. ","These cancers are found farther down the bile duct, closer to the small intestine. " | |
| "Like perihilar cancers, these are extrahepatic bile duct cancers because they start outside of the liver. ","Like perihilar cancers, these are extrahepatic bile duct cancers because they start outside of the liver. " | |
| Cancers that start in different parts of the bile ducts can cause different symptoms .,Cancers that start in different parts of the bile ducts can cause different symptoms . | |
| Types of bile duct cancer by cell type,Types of bile duct cancer by cell type | |
| Bile duct cancers can also be divided into types based on how the cancer cells look under the microscope. ,Bile duct cancers can also be divided into types based on how the cancer cells look under the microscope. | |
| Nearly all bile duct cancers are cholangiocarcinomas . ,Nearly all bile duct cancers are cholangiocarcinomas . | |
| "These cancers are a type of adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that starts in gland cells. ","These cancers are a type of adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that starts in gland cells. " | |
| Cholangiocarcinomas start in the gland cells that line the inside of the ducts. ,Cholangiocarcinomas start in the gland cells that line the inside of the ducts in or near the liver. | |
| Other types of bile duct cancers are much less common. ,Other types of bile duct cancers are much less common. | |
| "These include sarcomas, lymphomas, and small cell cancers. ","These include sarcomas, lymphomas, and small cell cancers. " | |
| Our information does not cover these rare types of bile duct cancer.,Our information does not cover these rare types of bile duct cancer. | |
| Benign bile duct tumors,Benign bile duct tumors | |
| Not all bile duct tumors are cancer. ,Not all bile duct tumors are cancer. | |
| "For example, bile duct hamartomas and bile duct adenomas are types of benign (non-cancer) tumors.","For example, bile duct hamartomas and bile duct adenomas are types of benign (non-cancer) tumors." | |
| Other cancers in the liver,Other cancers in the liver | |
| The most common type of cancer that starts in the liver – much more common than cholangiocarcinoma – is hepatocellular carcinoma . ,The most common type of cancer that starts in the liver is hepatocellular carcinoma . | |
| This type of cancer starts in the main cells that make up the liver. ,This type of cancer starts in the main cells that make up the liver. | |
| "Cancers that start in other organs, such as the colon or rectum, can sometimes spread (metastasize) to the liver. ","Cancers that start in other organs, such as the colon or rectum, can sometimes spread (metastasize) to the liver. " | |
| These metastatic cancers are not true liver cancers. ,These metastatic cancers are not true liver cancers. | |
| "For example, colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver is still colorectal cancer, not liver cancer. ","For example, colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver is still colorectal cancer, not liver cancer. " | |
| The treatment and outlook for cancer that metastasizes to the liver is not the same as for a cancer that starts in the liver. ,The treatment and outlook for cancer that metastasizes to the liver is not the same as for a cancer that starts in the liver. | |
| "For this reason, it’s important to know whether a tumor in the liver started in bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), the liver tissue itself (hepatocellular carcinoma), or another organ and has spread to the liver.","For this reason, it’s important to know whether a tumor in the liver started in bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), the liver tissue itself (hepatocellular carcinoma), or another organ and has spread to the liver." | |
| Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. ,Colorectal cancer starts in the gut (colon) or the (bowels)rectum. | |
| "These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. ","These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. " | |
| Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. ,Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common. | |
| Cancer starts when cells in the body start to grow out of control. ,Cancer starts when cells in the body start to grow out of control. | |
| "To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer?","To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer?" | |
| The colon and rectum,The colon and rectum | |
| "To understand colorectal cancer, it helps to know about the normal structure and function of the colon and rectum. ","To learn more about colorectal cancer, it helps to know about what the colon and rectum look like and what they do. " | |
| "The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel), which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system (see illustration below). ","The colon and rectum make up the large intestine (or large bowel). Which is part of the digestive system, also called the gastrointestinal (GI) system which breaks down and absorbs the food/liquids that you eat. (see illustration below). " | |
| "Most of the large intestine is made up of the colon, a muscular tube about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. ","Most of the colon is made up of the large intestine, a muscular tube about 5 feet (1.5 meters) long. " | |
| The parts of the colon are named by which way the food is traveling through them. ,The parts of the colon are named by which way the food is traveling through them. | |
| >The first section is called the ascending colon . ,>The first part is called the ascending colon . | |
| "It starts with a pouch called the cecum, where undigested food comes in from the small intestine. ","It starts with a pouch called the cecum, where food that has not been completely broken down (undigested) comes into the large intestines from the small intestine. " | |
| It continues upward on the right side of the abdomen (belly). ,It continues travel upward (ascending) on the right side of the abdomen (belly). | |
| >The second section is called the transverse colon. It goes across the body from the right to the left side. ,>The second section is called the transverse colon. It goes across the body from the right to the left side. | |
| >The third section is called the descending colon because it descends (travels down) on the left side. ,>The third section is called the descending colon because it descends (travels down) on the left side. | |
| >The fourth section is called the sigmoid colon because of its “S” shape. ,>The fourth section is called the sigmoid colon because it is shaped like the letter “S”. | |
| "The sigmoid colon joins the rectum, which then connects to the anus. ",The sigmoid colon is attached to your rectum which connects to your anus. | |
| The ascending and transverse sections together are called the proximal colon . ,The parts that go up the right side and across your belly are called the proximal colon . | |
| The descending and sigmoid colon are called the distal colon .,The part that goes down the left side and the part shaped like an “S” are called the distal colon . | |
| How do the colon and rectum work?,How do the colon and rectum work? | |
| The colon absorbs water and salt from the remaining food matter after it goes through the small intestine (small bowel). ,The colon large intestines) absorbs water and salt from the remaining food matter after it goes through the small intestine (small bowel). | |
| "The waste matter that's left after going through the colon goes into the rectum , the final 6 inches (15cm) of the digestive system. ","The waste matter that's left after going through the colon goes into the rectum , the final 6 inches of the digestive system. " | |
| It's stored there until it passes through the anus . ,It's stored there until it passes through the anus in the form of a bowel movement or stool. . | |
| Ring-shaped muscles (also called a sphincter ) around the anus keep stool from coming out until they relax during a bowel movement.,Ring-shaped muscles (also called a sphincter ) around the anus keep stool from coming out until they relax during a bowel movement. | |
| How does colorectal cancer start?,How does colorectal cancer start? | |
| Polyps in the colon or rectum,Polyps in the colon or rectum | |
| Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. ,Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. | |
| These growths are called polyps . ,These growths are called polyps . | |
| "Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. ","Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time (usually many years), but not all polyps become cancer. " | |
| The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is. ,The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is. | |
| There are different types of polyps. ,There are different kinds of polyps. | |
| >Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps sometimes change into cancer. ,>Adenomatous polyps (adenomas): These polyps sometimes change into cancer. | |
| "Because of this, adenomas are called a pre-cancerous condition . ","Because they can turn into cancer, adenomas are called pre-cancerous." | |
| "The 3 types of adenomas are tubular, villous, and tubulovillous. ","There are 3 types of adenomas are tubular, villous, and tubulovillous. " | |
| ">Hyperplastic polyps and inflammatory polyps: These polyps are more common, but in general they are not pre-cancerous. ",Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps are often treated like adenomas because they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. | |
| Some people with large (more than 1cm) hyperplastic polyps might need colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy more often. ,Some people with large (more than 1cm) hyperplastic polyps might need colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy more often. | |
| >Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps are often treated like adenomas because they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. ,>Sessile serrated polyps (SSP) and traditional serrated adenomas (TSA): These polyps are often treated like adenomas because they have a higher risk of colorectal cancer. | |
| Other factors that can make a polyp more likely to contain cancer or increase someone’s risk of developing colorectal cancer include: ,These things might mean that a polyp can turn in to colorectal cancer: | |
| >If a polyp larger than 1 cm is found ,>If a polyp larger than 1 cm is found. | |
| >If more than 3 polyps are found ,>If more than 3 polyps are found | |
| >If dysplasia is seen in the polyp after it's removed. ,>If dysplasia (pre-cancer cells) is found in the polyp after it has been taken out. | |
| Dysplasia is another pre-cancerous condition. ,Dysplasia is another pre-cancerous condition. | |
| "It means there's an area in a polyp or in the lining of the colon or rectum where the cells look abnormal, but they haven't become cancer. ","It means there's an area in a polyp or in the lining of the colon or rectum where the cells look abnormal, but they haven't become cancer. " | |
| "For more details on the types of polyps and conditions that can lead to colorectal cancer, see Understanding Your Pathology Report: Colon Polyps .","For more details on the types of polyps and conditions that can lead to colorectal cancer, see Understanding Your Pathology Report: Colon Polyps ." | |
| How colorectal cancer spreads,How colorectal cancer spreads | |
| "If cancer forms in a polyp, it can grow into the wall of the colon or rectum over time. ","If cancer forms in a polyp, it can grow into the wall of the colon or rectum over time. " | |
| The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of many layers. ,The wall of the colon and rectum is made up of many layers. | |
| Colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer (the mucosa) and can grow outward through some or all of the other layers (see picture below). ,"Colorectal cancer starts in the inner layer called the mucosa, and can grow outward through some or all of the other layers of the colon (see picture below). " | |
| "When cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels (tiny channels that carry away waste and fluid). ","When cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels (tiny channels that carry away waste and fluid). " | |
| "From there, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body. ","From there, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body. " | |
| The stage (extent of spread) of a colorectal cancer depends on how deeply it grows into the wall and if it has spread outside the colon or rectum. ,The stage (extent of spread) of a colorectal cancer depends on how deeply it grows into the wall and if it has spread outside the colon or rectum. | |
| "For more on staging, see Colorectal Cancer Stages .","For more on staging, see Colorectal Cancer Stages ." | |
| Types of cancer in the colon and rectum,Types of cancer in the colon and rectum | |
| Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas . ,Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas . | |
| These cancers start in cells that make mucus to lubricate the inside of the colon and rectum. ,These cancers start in cells that make mucus (slimy liquid) to make the inside of the colon and rectum more slippery. | |
| "When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, they're almost always talking about this type. ","When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, they're almost always talking about this type. " | |
| "Some sub-types of adenocarcinoma, such as signet ring and mucinous, may have a worse prognosis (outlook) than other subtypes of adenocarcinoma. ","Some sub-types of adenocarcinoma, such as signet ring and mucinous, may have a worse prognosis (chance of recovery) than other subtypes of adenocarcinoma. " | |
| "Other, much less common types of tumors can also start in the colon and rectum. ","Other, much less common types of tumors can also start in the colon and rectum. " | |
| These include: >Carcinoid tumors. ,These include: >Carcinoid tumors. | |
| These start from special hormone-making cells in the intestine. ,These start from special hormone-making cells in the intestine. | |
| See Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors . ,See Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors . | |
| >Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start from special cells in the wall of the colon called the interstitial cells of Cajal . ,>Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start from special cells in the wall of the colon called the interstitial cells of Cajal . | |
| Some are benign (not cancer). ,Some are benign (not cancer). | |
| "These tumors can be found anywhere in the digestive tract, but are not common in the colon. ","These tumors can be found anywhere in the GI (digestive) tract, but are not common in the colon. " | |
| See Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) . ,See Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) . | |
| >Lymphomas are cancers of immune system cells. ,>Lymphomas are cancers of immune system cells. | |
| "They mostly start in lymph nodes , but they can also start in the colon, rectum, or other organs. ","They mostly start in lymph nodes , but they can also start in the colon, rectum, or other organs. " | |
| Information on lymphomas of the digestive system can be found in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma . ,Information on lymphomas of the digestive system can be found in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma . | |
| ">Sarcomas can start in blood vessels, muscle layers, or other connective tissues in the wall of the colon and rectum. ",">Sarcomas can start in blood vessels, muscle layers, or other connective tissues in the wall of the colon and rectum. " | |
| Sarcomas of the colon or rectum are rare. ,Sarcomas of the colon or rectum are rare. | |
| See Soft Tissue Sarcoma .,See Soft Tissue Sarcoma . | |
| "This diagram shows the location of the stomach, small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. ","This picture shows where the stomach, small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum are in your body. " | |
| Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. ,Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. | |
| "Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. ","Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. " | |
| The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. ,The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. | |
| The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. ,The rectum is the part that connects your colon to your anus (where your poop comes out). | |
| "Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. ","Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. " | |
| "Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. ","Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. " | |
| Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. ,Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. | |
| "Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. ",Screening can also help find colorectal cancer when it first starts. This is when treatment works best. | |
| >Facebook >Twitter >LinkedIn >Syndicate,>Facebook >Twitter >LinkedIn >Syndicate | |
| Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. ,Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. | |
| "Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and then can spread to other areas of the body. ","Cells in almost any part of the body can turn into cancer, and then can move to other areas of the body. " | |
| "To learn more about cancer and how it starts and spreads, see What Is Cancer? ","To learn more about cancer and how it starts and spreads, see What Is Cancer? " | |
| "Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon cancers that start in special cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract. ","Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon cancers that start in special cells in the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract. " | |
| "To understand GISTs, it helps to know something about the structure and function of the GI tract .","To understand GISTs, it helps to know something about the structure and function of the GI tract ." | |
| How the gastrointestinal (GI) tract works,How the gastrointestinal (GI) tract works | |
| The GI tract processes food for energy and rids the body of solid waste. ,Your GI tract breaks down food for energy and gets rid of waste. | |
| "After food is chewed and swallowed, it goes through the esophagus, a tube that carries food down the throat and chest to the stomach. ","After food is chewed and swallowed, it goes through the esophagus, a tube that carries food down the throat and chest to the stomach. " | |
| The esophagus joins the stomach just beneath the diaphragm (the thin band of muscle below the lungs). ,The esophagus joins the stomach just beneath the diaphragm (the thin band of muscle below the lungs). | |
| The stomach is a sac-like organ that helps the digestive process by mixing the food with gastric juices. ,The stomach is a sac-like organ that helps the breakdown of food (digestive process) by mixing the food with gastric juices. | |
| The food and gastric juices are then emptied into the small intestine. ,The food and gastric juices then move into the small intestine. | |
| "The small intestine, which is about 20 feet long, continues breaking down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients into the bloodstream. ","The small intestine, which is about 20 feet long, continues breaking down the food and absorbs most of the nutrients into the bloodstream. " | |
| "The small intestine joins the large intestine, the first part of which is the colon, a muscular tube about 5 feet long. ","The small intestine joins to the large intestine. The first part of the large intestine is called the colon, a muscular tube about 5 feet long. " | |
| The colon absorbs water and mineral nutrients from the remaining food matter. ,"The colon absorbs water, mineral and nutrients from the remaining food matter. " | |
| "The waste left after this process (stool) goes into the rectum, where it is stored until it passes out of the body through the anus.","What is left of the food after that is called waste. Your colon holds the waste until it is ready to go to your rectum. Then it leaves the body through your anus (the hole in your bottom) as poop, which is also called stool or feces." | |
| Gastrointestinal stromal tumors,Gastrointestinal stromal tumors | |
| Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start in very early forms of special cells in the wall of the GI tract called the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). ,Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) start in special cells in the wall of your GI tract called the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). | |
| ICCs are sometimes called the “pacemakers” of the GI tract because they signal the muscles in the GI tract to contract to move food and liquid along. ,ICCs are sometimes called the “pacemakers” of the GI tract because they signal the muscles in the GI tract to contract to move food and liquid along. | |
| More than half of GISTs start in the stomach. ,More than half of GISTs start in the stomach. | |
| "Most of the others start in the small intestine, but GISTs can start anywhere along the GI tract. ","Most of the others start in the small intestine, but GISTs can start anywhere along the GI tract. " | |
| A small number of GISTs start outside the GI tract in nearby areas such as the omentum (an apron-like layer of fatty tissue that hangs over the organs in the abdomen) or the peritoneum (the thin lining over the organs and walls inside the abdomen). ,A small number of GISTs start outside the GI tract. In nearby areas such as the omentum (an apron-like layer of fatty tissue that hangs over the organs in the abdomen) or the peritoneum (the thin lining over the organs and walls inside the abdomen). | |
| Some GISTs seem to be much more likely than others to grow into other areas or spread to other parts of the body. ,Some GISTs seem to be much more likely than others to grow into other areas or spread to other parts of the body. | |
| "Doctors look at certain factors to help tell whether a GIST is likely to grow and spread quickly, such as: ","Doctors look at certain factors to help tell whether a GIST is likely to grow and spread quickly, such as: " | |
| >The size of the tumor ,>The size of the tumor | |
| >Where it's located in the GI tract ,>Where it's located in the GI tract | |
| ">How fast the tumor cells are dividing (its mitotic rate , described in Tests for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors )",>how fast the cells are starting to grow | |
| Other GI tract cancers,Other GI tract cancers | |
| "GISTs are not the same as other, more common types of GI tract cancers that develop from other types of cells. ",There are other kinds of cancer in the GI tract that are not GISTs. These start from other kinds of cells. | |
| Cancers can occur anywhere in the GI tract − from the esophagus to the anus. ,Cancers can occur anywhere in the GI tract − from the esophagus to the anus. | |
| "Most cancers that start in the GI tract, including most esophagus cancers, stomach cancers, and colon and rectum cancers, start in the gland cells that line almost all of the GI tract. ",Most cancers that start in the GI tract start in the cells in the wall of the GI tract. These are called gland cells. | |
| The cancers that develop in these cells are called adenocarcinomas . ,The cancers that start in these cells are called adenocarcinomas . | |
| "Cancers can also start in squamous cells, which are flat cells that line some parts of the GI tract, like the upper part of the esophagus and the end of the anus. ","Cancers can also start in squamous cells, which are flat cells that line some parts of the GI tract, like the upper part of the esophagus and the end of the anus. " | |
| Cancers starting in these cells are called squamous cell carcinomas . ,Cancers that start in these cells are called squamous cell carcinomas . | |
| The GI tract also has neuroendocrine cells. ,The GI tract also has neuroendocrine cells. | |
| These cells have some features in common with nerve cells but also have other features in common with hormone-producing (endocrine) cells. ,These cells have some features in common with nerve cells but also have other features in common with hormone-producing (endocrine) cells. | |
| Cancers that develop from these cells are called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) . ,Cancers that start from these cells are called neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). | |
| These cancers are rare in the GI tract. ,These cancers are rare in the GI tract. | |
| Carcinoid tumors are an example of a neuroendocrine tumor found in the GI tract. ,Carcinoid tumors are an example of a neuroendocrine tumor found in the GI tract. | |
| "Other rare types of cancer in the GI tract include different types of soft tissue sarcomas , such as: ",Other rare types of cancer in the GI tract include. | |
| >Leiomyosarcomas: cancers of smooth muscle cells ,> Leiomyosarcomas -soft tissue sarcomas | |
| >Angiosarcomas: cancers of blood vessel cells ,>Angiosarcomas: cancers of smooth muscle cells | |
| >Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs): cancers of cells that support and protect nerves GISTs are different from these other types of GI tract cancers. ,>Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs): cancers of cells that support and protect nerves GISTs are different from these other types of GI tract cancers. | |
| "They start in different types of cells, need different types of treatment, and have a different prognosis (outlook). ","They start in different types of cells, need different types of treatment, and have a different prognosis (chances of recovery). " | |
| "This is why doctors need to figure out whether a person with a tumor in the GI tract has a GIST, some other type of cancer, or a non-cancerous condition.","This is why doctors need to figure out whether a person with a tumor in the GI tract has a GIST, some other type of cancer, or a non-cancerous condition." | |
| Original Text,Simplified Text | |
| Intrahepatic bile duct cancers,Intrahepatic bile duct cancers | |
| These cancers start in the smaller bile duct branches inside the liver. ,These cancers start in the smaller bile ducts inside the liver. The bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from one place to the next. | |
| "Sometimes they're confused with cancers that start in the liver cells ( hepatocellular carcinomas ), and they are often treated the same way.","Sometimes they are confused with cancers that start in the liver cells ( hepatocellular carcinomas ), and they usually get the same treatment." | |
| Perihilar (also called hilar) bile duct cancers,Perihilar (also called hilar) bile duct cancers | |
| "These cancers start at the hilum, where the left and right hepatic ducts have joined and are just leaving the liver. ",These cancers start where the left and right liver ducts (tubes) connect. This place is called the hilum. | |
| These are also called Klatskin tumors. ,These cancers are also called Klatskin tumors. | |
| These cancers are grouped with distal bile duct cancers as extrahepatic bile duct cancers .,These cancers are in the same group as distal bile duct cancers (see below). This group is called extrahepatic bile duct cancers. Extrahepatic means that they start outside of the liver. | |
| Distal bile duct cancers,Distal bile duct cancers | |
| "These cancers are found farther down the bile duct, closer to the small intestine. ","These cancers are found farther down the bile duct, closer to the small intestine. " | |
| "Like perihilar cancers, these are extrahepatic bile duct cancers because they start outside of the liver. ",These cancers are in the same group as the perihilar cancers (extrahepatic bile duct cancers). | |
| Cancers that start in different parts of the bile ducts can cause different symptoms .,Cancers that start in different parts of the bile ducts can cause different problems. | |
| Benign bile duct tumors,Benign bile duct tumors | |
| Not all bile duct tumors are cancer. ,Not all bile duct tumors are cancer. | |
| "For example, bile duct hamartomas and bile duct adenomas are types of benign (non-cancer) tumors.",Bile duct hamartomas and bile duct adenomas are kinds of benign (non-cancer) tumors. | |
| Other cancers in the liver,Other cancers in the liver | |
| The most common type of cancer that starts in the liver – much more common than cholangiocarcinoma – is hepatocellular carcinoma . ,The kind of cancer that starts in the liver and happens the most is hepatocellular carcinoma . | |
| This type of cancer starts in the main cells that make up the liver. ,This kind of cancer starts in the main cells that the liver is made of. | |
| "Cancers that start in other organs, such as the colon or rectum, can sometimes spread (metastasize) to the liver. ","Sometimes, cancers that start in other parts of the body, like the colon or rectum, can grow or spread (metastasize) to the liver. " | |
| These metastatic cancers are not true liver cancers. ,These metastatic cancers are not real liver cancers. | |
| "For example, colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver is still colorectal cancer, not liver cancer. ","So, colorectal cancer that has moved into the liver is still called colorectal cancer because that is where it started. It did not start in the liver. " | |
| The treatment and outlook for cancer that metastasizes to the liver is not the same as for a cancer that starts in the liver. ,The way that doctors treat cancer that metastasizes to the liver is not the same as for a cancer that starts in the liver. | |
| "For this reason, it’s important to know whether a tumor in the liver started in bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), the liver tissue itself (hepatocellular carcinoma), or another organ and has spread to the liver.","So, it is important to know if the cancer started in the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), the liver itself (hepatocellular carcinoma), or another part of the body and has spread to the liver." | |
| Original Text,Simplified Text | |
| Intrahepatic bile duct cancers,Intrahepatic bile duct cancers | |
| These cancers start in the smaller bile duct branches inside the liver. ,These cancers start in the smaller bile duct branches inside the liver. | |
| "Sometimes they're confused with cancers that start in the liver cells ( hepatocellular carcinomas ), and they are often treated the same way.","Sometimes they're confused with cancers that start in the liver cells (hepatocellular carcinomas), and they are often treated the same way." | |
| Perihilar (also called hilar) bile duct cancers,Perihilar (also called hilar) bile duct cancers | |
| "These cancers start at the hilum, where the left and right hepatic ducts have joined and are just leaving the liver. ","These cancers start at the hilum, where the left and right hepatic ducts (tubes) have joined and are just leaving the liver. " | |
| These are also called Klatskin tumors. ,These are also called Klatskin tumors. | |
| These cancers are grouped with distal bile duct cancers as extrahepatic bile duct cancers .,These cancers are grouped with distal bile duct cancers as extrahepatic (outside of the liver) bile duct cancers . | |
| Distal bile duct cancers,Distal bile duct cancers | |
| "These cancers are found farther down the bile duct, closer to the small intestine. ","These cancers are found farther down the bile duct, closer to the small intestine. " | |
| "Like perihilar cancers, these are extrahepatic bile duct cancers because they start outside of the liver. ","Like perihilar cancers, these are extrahepatic bile duct cancers because they start outside of the liver. " | |
| Cancers that start in different parts of the bile ducts can cause different symptoms .,Cancers that start in different parts of the bile ducts can cause different symptoms . | |
| Types of bile duct cancer by cell type,Types of bile duct cancer by cell type | |
| Bile duct cancers can also be divided into types based on how the cancer cells look under the microscope. ,Bile duct cancers can also be divided into types based on how the cancer cells look under the microscope. | |
| Nearly all bile duct cancers are cholangiocarcinomas . ,Nearly all bile duct cancers are cholangiocarcinomas . | |
| "These cancers are a type of adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that starts in gland cells. ","These cancers are a type of adenocarcinoma, which is a cancer that starts in gland cells. " | |
| Cholangiocarcinomas start in the gland cells that line the inside of the ducts. ,Cholangiocarcinomas start in the cells that line the inside of the ducts. | |
| Other types of bile duct cancers are much less common. ,Other types of bile duct cancers are much less common. | |
| "These include sarcomas, lymphomas, and small cell cancers. ","These include sarcomas, lymphomas, and small cell cancers. " | |
| Our information does not cover these rare types of bile duct cancer.,Our information does not cover these rare types of bile duct cancer. | |
| Benign bile duct tumors,Benign bile duct tumors | |
| Not all bile duct tumors are cancer. ,Not all bile duct tumors are cancer. | |
| "For example, bile duct hamartomas and bile duct adenomas are types of benign (non-cancer) tumors.","For example, bile duct hamartomas and bile duct adenomas are types of benign (non-cancer) tumors." | |
| Other cancers in the liver,Other cancers in the liver | |
| The most common type of cancer that starts in the liver – much more common than cholangiocarcinoma – is hepatocellular carcinoma . ,The most common type of cancer that starts in the liver is hepatocellular carcinoma . | |
| This type of cancer starts in the main cells that make up the liver. ,This type of cancer starts in the main cells that make up the liver. | |
| "Cancers that start in other organs, such as the colon or rectum, can sometimes spread (metastasize) to the liver. ","Cancers that start in other organs, such as the colon or rectum, can sometimes spread (metastasize) to the liver. " | |
| These metastatic cancers are not true liver cancers. ,These metastatic cancers are not true liver cancers. | |
| "For example, colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver is still colorectal cancer, not liver cancer. ","For example, colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver is still colorectal cancer, not liver cancer. " | |
| The treatment and outlook for cancer that metastasizes to the liver is not the same as for a cancer that starts in the liver. ,The treatment and chances of recovery for cancer that metastasizes to the liver is not the same as for a cancer that starts in the liver. | |
| "For this reason, it’s important to know whether a tumor in the liver started in bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma), the liver tissue itself (hepatocellular carcinoma), or another organ and has spread to the liver.","For this reason, it’s important to know whether a tumor started in the liver, or in another organ and has spread to the liver." | |
| Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. ,Liver cancer is a type of cancer that starts in your liver. | |
| Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. ,Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. | |
| "To learn more about how cancers start and spread, see What Is Cancer?. ","To learn more about how cancers start and grow, see What Is Cancer?. " | |
| "To understand liver cancer, it helps to know about the normal structure and function of the liver.. ","To know about liver cancer, it helps to know what the liver looks like and how it works." | |
| The liver,The liver | |
| The liver is the largest internal organ. ,The liver is the biggest organ in your body. | |
| It lies under your right ribs just beneath your right lung. ,It lies on the right side under the rib cage. | |
| It has two lobes (sections).. ,It has two sections (lobes).. | |
| The liver is made up mainly of cells called hepatocytes. ,The liver is made up mainly of cells called hepatocytes (ha-pat-o-cites). | |
| "It also has other types of cells, including cells that line its blood vessels and cells that line small tubes in the liver called bile ducts. ","It also has other kinds of cells, like cells that line its veins and small tubes called bile ducts." | |
| The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder or directly to the intestines.. ,The bile ducts carry bitter fluids made by the liver (bile) from the liver to the gallbladder or to the gut (intestines). | |
| You cannot live without your liver. ,You cannot live without your liver. | |
| It has many important functions:. ,It has many important jobs | |
| >It breaks down and stores many of the nutrients absorbed from the intestine that your body needs to function. ,It breaks down and stores many of the important nutrients absorbed in the gut (intestine). | |
| Some nutrients must be changed (metabolized) in the liver before they can be used for energy or to build and repair body tissues. ,Some foods must be changed in the liver before they can be used for energy or to build and fix the body. | |
| >It makes most of the clotting factors that keep you from bleeding too much when you are cut or injured. ,It makes the ingredients to help blood stick together (clot) when you are cut and bleeding | |
| >It delivers bile into the intestines to help absorb nutrients (especially fats). ,It sends bile to the gut (intestines) to help absorb nutrition and fat | |
| ">It breaks down alcohol, drugs, and toxic wastes in the blood, which then pass from the body through urine and stool ",">It breaks down alcohol, drugs, and bad waste in the blood, which then comes out of the body when you pee or poop." | |
| The different types of cells in the liver can form several types of malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) tumors. ,The cells in the liver can make tumors. Some tumors turn in to cancer and some do not. | |
| "These tumors have different causes, are treated differently, and have a different prognosis (outlook).. ","Liver tumors have different causes and treatments. Depending on the type of tumor, it is easier or harder to cure." | |
| Primary liver cancer,Primary liver cancer | |
| A cancer that starts in the liver is called primary liver cancer. ,A cancer that starts in the liver is called “primary” liver cancer. | |
| There is more than one kind of primary liver cancer.. ,There is more than one kind of primary liver cancer.. | |
| Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) | |
| This is the most common form of liver cancer in adults.. ,(hep-to-cell-ular) This is the most common form of liver cancer in adults.. | |
| Hepatocellular cancers can have different growth patterns:. ,Hepatocellular cancers grow in different ways. | |
| >Some begin as a single tumor that grows larger. ,>Some start as one tumor that grows bigger. | |
| Only late in the disease does it spread to other parts of the liver. ,Then later spreads to other parts of the liver. | |
| ">A second type seems to start as many small cancer nodules throughout the liver, not just a single tumor. ",">Another kind of cancer can start as many small tumors in the liver, not just one tumor. " | |
| This is seen most often in people with cirrhosis (chronic liver damage) and is the most common pattern seen in the United States. ,This is seen most often in people with cirrhosis (liver damage) and is the most usual kind in the United States. | |
| Doctors can classify several subtypes of HCC. ,There are several types of HCC. | |
| Most often these subtypes do not affect treatment or prognosis (outlook). ,Most often these types do not affect treatment or chances of recovery (prognosis) | |
| "But one of these subtypes, fibrolamellar, is important to recognize. ","One of these types, fibrolamellar, is important to know about. " | |
| "It is rare, making up less than 1% of HCCs and is most often seen in women younger than age 35. ",It only happens in less than 1 in 100 HCCs (or a very small amount) and is mostly seen in women younger than age 35. | |
| Often the rest of the liver is not diseased. ,"Most of the time, the rest of the liver is normal. " | |
| This subtype tends to have a better outlook than other forms of HCC.. ,People with this kind of cancer usually do better than people with other kinds of HCC.. | |
| Most ofthe rest of this content refers only to hepatocellular carcinoma and is called liver cancer.. ,Most of the rest of this content refers only to HCC hepatocellular carcinoma and is called liver cancer.. | |
| Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer),Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) | |
| About 10% to 20% of cancers that start in the liver are intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. ,A small amount of cancers that start in the liver are “Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas” (Bile duct cancer). | |
| These cancers start in the cells that line the small bile ducts (tubes that carry bile to the gallbladder) within the liver. ,These cancers start in the cells that line the small bile ducts (tubes that carry bile to the gallbladder) within the liver. | |
| "Most cholangiocarcinomas, however, actually start in the bile ducts outside the liver.. ","But most cholangiocarcinomas, really start in the bile ducts outside the liver.. " | |
| "Although the rest of this information is mainly about hepatocellular cancers, cholangiocarcinomas are often treated the same way. ","Although the rest of this information is mainly about HCC cancers, bile duct cancer is often treated the same way. " | |
| "For more detailed information on this type of cancer, seeBile Duct Cancer.. ","For more detailed information on this type of cancer, see Bile Duct Cancer.. " | |
| Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma,Angiosarcoma (an-gio-sar-coma) and hemangiosarcoma (he-man-gio-sar-coma) | |
| These are rare cancers that begin in cells lining the blood vessels of the liver. ,These are rare cancers that begin in cells lining the blood vessels of the liver. | |
| "People who have been exposed to vinyl chloride or to thorium dioxide (Thorotrast) are more likely to develop these cancers (seeLiver cancer risk factors). Some other cases are thought to be caused by exposure to arsenic or radium, or to an inherited condition known as hereditary hemochromatosis. ","People who have been exposed to certain chemicals, toxic substances or have an inherited condition, have a higher risk of developing these cancers (seeLiver cancer risk factors). " | |
| "In about half of all cases, no likely cause can be identified.. ","In about half of all cases, the reason for the cancer is not known. " | |
| These tumors grow quickly and are usually too widespread to be removed surgically by the time they are found. ,"These tumors grow very fast. Most of the time, they have spread too far when they are found to be taken out with surgery. " | |
| "Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may help slow the disease, but these cancers are usually very hard to treat. ","(Drugs) Chemotherapy and (Beam)radiation therapy may help slow the disease, but these cancers are usually very hard to treat. " | |
| These cancers are treated like other sarcomas. ,These cancers are treated like another cancer called sarcomas. | |
| "For more information, see Soft Tissue Sarcoma.. ","For more information, see Soft Tissue Sarcoma.. " | |
| Hepatoblastoma,Hepatoblastoma (Hep-ato-blast-oma) | |
| "Thisis a very rare kind of cancer that develops in children, usually in those younger than 4 years old. ",This is a very rare kind of cancer that develops in children less than 4 years old. | |
| The cells of hepatoblastoma are similar to fetal liver cells. ,The cells of hepatoblastoma are similar to liver cells in a human before it is born (when it is being formed in the womb) | |
| "About 2 out of 3 children with these tumors are treated successfully with surgery and chemotherapy, although the tumors are harder to treat if they have spread outside the liver.. ","About 2 out of 3 children with these tumors are treated successfully with surgery and Drugs (chemotherapy, The tumors are harder to treat if they have spread outside the liver.. " | |
| Secondary liver cancer (metastatic liver cancer),Secondary liver cancer (liver cancer that has spread to the liver from somewhere else in the body) | |
| "Most of the time when cancer is found in the liver it did not start there but has spread (metastasized) from somewhere else in the body, such as the pancreas, colon, stomach, breast, or lung. ","Most of the time when cancer is found in the liver it did not start there but has spread (metastasized) from somewhere else in the body (such as the pancreas, colon, stomach, breast, or lung). " | |
| "Because this cancer has spread from its original (primary) site, it is called a secondaryliver cancer. ","Because this cancer has spread from its original (primary) site, it is called a secondary liver cancer. " | |
| These tumors are named and treated based on their primary site (where they started). ,These tumors are named and treated based on the primary site where they started. | |
| "For example, cancer that started in the lung and spread to the liver is called lung cancer with spread to the liver, not liver cancer. ","For example, cancer that started in the lung and spread to the liver is called lung cancer with spread to the liver, not liver cancer. " | |
| It is also treated as lung cancer.. ,It is also treated as lung cancer.. | |
| "In the United States and Europe, secondary (metastatic) liver tumors are more common than primary liver cancer. ","In the United States and Europe, cancer spreading from another site (metastatic) to the liver are more common than cancer that starts in the liver. (primary) " | |
| The opposite is true for many areas of Asia and Africa.. ,"In Asia and Africa, most cancers found in the liver started in the liver. " | |
| "For more information on liver metastases from different types of cancer, see specific cancer types, as well as Advanced Cancer.. ","For more info on liver metastases from different types of cancer, see specific cancer types, as well as Advanced Cancer.. " | |
| Benign liver tumors,Benign (not cancer) liver tumors | |
| "Benign tumors sometimes grow large enough to cause problems, but they do not grow into nearby tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. ","Benign (not cancer) tumors can grow big enough to cause problems, but they do not grow into other parts of the body." | |
| "If they need to be treated, the patient can usually be cured with surgery.. ","If they need to be treated, the patient can usually be cured with surgery.. " | |
| Hemangioma,Hemangioma | |
| "The most common type of benign liver tumor, hemangiomas, start in blood vessels. ","The most common type of benign liver tumor, hemangiomas (he-man-gi-omas), start in blood vessels. " | |
| Most hemangiomas of the liver cause no symptoms and do not need treatment. ,Most hemangiomas of the liver do not cause any problems and do not need treatment. | |
| But some may bleed and need to be removed with surgery.. ,But some may bleed and need to be taken out with surgery.. | |
| Hepatic adenoma,Hepatic adenoma | |
| Hepatic adenoma is a benign tumor that starts from hepatocytes (the main type of liver cell). ,Hepatic adenoma (ad-e-noma) is a benign tumor that starts from hepatocytes (the main type of liver cell). | |
| Most cause no symptoms and do not need treatment. ,Most cause no symptoms and do not need treatment. | |
| "But some eventually cause symptoms, such as pain or a lump in the abdomen (stomach area) or blood loss. ","But some can cause trouble later, like pain or a lump in the stomach area or losing blood. " | |
| "Because there is a risk that the tumor could rupture (leading to severe blood loss) and a small risk that it could eventually develop into liver cancer, most experts will usually advise surgery to remove the tumor if possible.. ","Because there is a chance that the tumor could burst open and cause bleeding and a small chance that it might turn into liver cancer, most doctors will usually suggest surgery to take out the tumor." | |
| Using certain drugs may increase the risk of getting these tumors. ,Certain drugs may also increase the risk of getting these tumors. | |
| "Women have a higher chance of having one of these tumors if they take birth control pills, although this is rare. ","Women have a higher chance of having one of these tumors if they take birth control pills, although this is rare. " | |
| Men who use anabolic steroids may also develop these tumors. ,Men who use drugs to help build muscles may also get these tumors. | |
| Adenomas may shrink when these drugs are stopped.. ,Adenomas may shrink when these drugs are stopped.. | |
| Focal nodular hyperplasia,Focal nodular hyperplasia | |
| "Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a tumor-like growth made up of several cell types (hepatocytes, bile duct cells, and connective tissue cells). ",Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a growth that is like a tumor made up of a few types of cells | |
| "Although FNH tumors are benign, they might cause symptoms. ","Even though FNH tumors are not cancer, they can cause problems. " | |
| It can be hard to tell them apart from true liver cancers and doctors sometimes remove them when the diagnosis is unclear.. ,It can be hard to tell FNH tumors apart from true liver cancers. This results in doctors removing them with surgery when it is unclear. | |
| Both hepatic adenomas and FNH tumors are more common in women than in men.. ,Both hepatic adenomas and FNH tumors are more common in women than in men.. | |