PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the most common primary malignancy of the liver?

1. Cholangiocarcinoma

2. Hepatocellular carcinoma

3. Metastatic carcinoma

4. Angiosarcoma

The correct answer is: Hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is recognized as the most common primary malignancy of the liver. This type of cancer originates from the hepatocytes, which are the main functional cells of the liver. It is particularly associated with underlying liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections, cirrhosis, and heavy alcohol use. This malignancy is significant not only due to its high incidence rate among liver cancers, but also because of its clinical presentation, which can include symptoms like abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and jaundice. The prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma makes it a primary focus for surveillance in high-risk populations with chronic liver diseases. While the other options present types of liver tumors, they do not match the frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cholangiocarcinoma, while serious, arises from the bile ducts rather than the liver parenchyma itself. Metastatic carcinoma refers to cancers that have spread to the liver from other sites in the body, which is far more common than primary liver tumors but does not classify as a primary malignancy. Angiosarcoma of the liver is a rare vascular tumor that occurs infrequently. Thus, in the context of primary liver malignancies, hepatocellular