Primary carcinoma of the liver.

Primary carcinoma of the liver is rare in Western countries but it is a common malignant tumour in many parts of the tropics. Much has been learnt in recent years about its pathology, manifestations, and aetiology that is relevant to the whole field of oncology. The important distinction between carcinomas of liver-cell and bile-duct origin, the phenomenon of alpha-fetoprotein production, and the role of cirrhosis are discussed in the context of newly discovered aetiological factors such as gonadal steroids, mycotoxins, and the hepatitis B virus.