Are intrahepatic calcifications a precursor to liver cancer?
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, intrahepatic calcifications may be a precursor to liver cancer, or they may result from parasitic infections, congenital developmental abnormalities, chronic hepatitis, intrahepatic bile duct stones, etc. When experiencing bodily discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. Patients should consult a doctor promptly when the underlying cause has not been clearly identified, to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, maintain a light diet and ensure adequate rest.
Generally speaking, intrahepatic calcification foci may be a precursor to liver cancer, or they may result from parasitic infections, congenital developmental abnormalities, chronic hepatitis, intrahepatic bile duct stones, and other causes. When discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Precursor to liver cancer
Hepatic calcification refers to strong echogenic areas resembling stones observed during color ultrasound or CT scans. These are usually single calcified foci. In some patients with liver cancer, calcification foci may form in the early stages of the disease. Hepatic calcification typically progresses slowly and does not significantly affect surrounding liver tissue or bile ducts; therefore, patients generally do not experience obvious symptoms. Regular follow-up examinations are recommended.
2. Parasitic infection
Conditions such as hepatic schistosomiasis and hydatid disease (liver echinococcosis) can lead to intrahepatic calcification foci. This occurs because parasite eggs deposit within liver tissue, forming numerous small cysts that grow diffusely and infiltrate without clear boundaries from normal liver tissue. Calcium salts may deposit on the cyst walls, and if left untreated, these deposits can easily develop into hepatic calcification foci. Patients may take medications such as albendazole tablets or mebendazole tablets under medical guidance, or undergo surgical removal of the cysts.
3. Congenital developmental abnormalities
If local tissues develop abnormally during embryonic development, intrahepatic calcification foci may form. If the condition is mild and the patient has no significant symptoms, specific treatment may not be necessary at this stage. However, regular follow-up exams are needed to monitor any bodily changes.
4. Chronic hepatitis
If the liver is infected by bacteria and treatment is incomplete, calcium salt deposition may occur in local tissues, leading to calcification foci. In severe cases, this may even cause liver atrophy. Patients may take medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets or hepatoprotective tablets under medical supervision. Liver transplantation may be required when necessary.
5. Intrahepatic bile duct stones
In patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones, localized necrosis and fibrosis of liver tissue may occur. Without effective treatment, calcification foci may easily form in affected areas. In such cases, patients may take anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications such as cholagogic tablets, dan ning tablets, or bear gallbladder capsules as directed by a physician.
Patients should seek prompt medical attention when the underlying cause remains unclear, to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and getting appropriate rest are advised.
