There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment of patients with liver tumors. This contributes to the pessimistic attitude that many have regarding the treatment of liver cancer. Aggressive treatment strategies can cure or significantly prolong the life of many patients with liver cancer.

　　The liver is a common site of metastases from a variety of organs such as lung， breast， colon and rectum. When liver metastases occur at the time of initial diagnosis of the primary tumor， they are described as synchronous. If detected after the initial diagnosis， they are described as metachronous. The liver is frequently involved since it receives blood from the abdominal organs via the portal vein. Malignant cells detach from the primary cancer， enter the bloodstream or lymphatic channels， travel to the liver， and grow independently. We do not understand the mechanism of how a tumor cell can leave the primary site and grow in specific organs. Potentially， the environment of the liver is suitable to the growth of certain tumor cells. Once a tumor begins to grow in the liver， it receives its blood supply from the hepatic artery.

　　对肝癌的治疗有分歧。这有利于许多对肝癌治疗持悲观态度。有创见的治疗方案是能治疗或延长肝癌病人的生命。

　　肝是一些器官，如：肺、乳房、结肠和直肠的共同转移地。在原发性肿瘤的早期诊断时发现肝转移，称作同步。如果在早期诊断后发现，称作异步。由于肝通过门静脉接受腹腔器官来的血液，所以肝常受累。恶性细胞从原发癌脱离，通过血流或淋巴管，来到肝独立生长。我们不明白一个瘤细胞是如何离开原发部位来到特异器官生长的原理。当然，肝是适合某些特定瘤细胞的生长环境。一旦一个瘤在肝生长繁殖，它接受肝动脉的血供。