Hepatic Neoplasia

Primary hepatic tumours are rare, however, the liver is a common site of metastatic tumours due to the rich blood supply (hapatic portal vein and hepatic artery). Malignant primary tumours include:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Cholangiocellular carcinoma
• Gall bladder carcinoma
• Haemangiosarcoma
• Mast cell tumour
• Hepatic carcinoids

Benign tumours include:

• Hepatocellular adenoma (hepatoma)
• Cholangiocellular adenoma
• Gall bladder adenoma

Note: Distinction must be made between all hepatic tumours and benign nodular hyperplasia frequently observed in the canine.

Signalment

• Hepatic carcinoma occurs most often in male dogs over 10 years old
• Cholangiocellular carcinoma occurs more commonly in female cats

Description

Carcinogens and toxins for example nitrosamines can induce hepatic tumours in an experimental environment.