Comparative study between primary and metastasis liver cancer among Iraqi patients according to the liver function tests

Abstract

Background: Primary liver cancer is the 12 th most common cancer in Iraq and the 7 th most common cause of cancer related death. Liver is also the most common site for metastasis of a variety of tumors. Tumors development in the liver affects its function and the level of its enzymes. This study aimed to compare the changes in liver function between primary and metastasis liver cancer among Iraqi patients. Subject and Methods: This is a cross section study was conducted during the period between November-2019 and February/2020. Serum levels of liver GOT, GPT, ALP, TSB direct and indirect, 37 patients with primary liver cancer, 63 patients with metastasis and 50 healthy controls. Patients' demographics were collected by interviewing and filling a questioner. Results: Patients with both primary metastasis liver cancer showed significant increased levels of serum GOT (primary, 44.32±23.30 U/L vs. metastasis 17.13±5.42 ),serum ALP (primary,184.88±93.40 U/L vs. metastasis 144.46±78.79 U/L), TSB (primary, 2.05±1.89 mg/100ml vsmetastasis,1.31±0.85mg/100ml ) , direct bilirubin (primary, 0.38±0.24 mg/dl vs. metastasis, 0.33±0.22 mg/dl), and levels of indirect bilirubin (primary, 0.83±0.64 mg/dl vs. metastasis, 0.72±0.57 mg/dl).respectively as compared to healthy control.Whereas serum GPT was only significantly increased in primary liver tumor (primary , 31.01±17.09 vs. metastasis, 17.51±16.06). Conclusions: liver function is significantly altered in patients with liver malignancy. High level of GPT is associated with primary liver tumor.