Primary carcinoma of the liver: With report of case successfully treated by partial hepatectomy

Abstract

ASSISTANT SUKCEON, CANCLR HOSPITAL (FREE), LONDON.CAWIXOJIA occurs only very rarely as a primary disease of the liver, in markcd cbontrast to sccondary growths, which are extremely common in this organ. Up t o sixty years ago observers believed the reverse t o be thc case, and, in spite of Virchow's warning in regard t o the importance of searching for a primary focus with meticulous care, many cases were reported which were later discredited.

Primary hepatic malignancy. With particular reference to the embryoma of infancy

“…It was in the latter half of the nineteenth century that pathologists realized, through the teaching of Virchow, that tumours in the liver were almost always metastases, often from an occult primary source, and awareness of the true rarity of primary liver tumours grew (Abel, 1934). Prior to this, primary malignant disease was held to be common in the liver.…”

Cystic hamartomas and polycystic disease of the liver

“…The operation itself is, of course, not new; left hepatic lobectomy after ligation of artery, portal vein, and hepatic duct has been reported on a number of occasions (Jackson, 1931;Abel, 1934) and may be regarded as a formal procedure. Access and haemorrhage are the problems confronting surgeons undertaking removal of hepatic tumours and cysts.…”