Which type of liver cancer is most commonly identified?

Hepatocellular carcinoma is recognized as the most common primary liver cancer. This type of cancer originates in the hepatocytes, which are the main functional cells of the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma usually arises in the context of underlying liver disease, particularly chronic hepatitis B and C infections, as well as cirrhosis caused by alcohol abuse or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Given its high prevalence, hepatocellular carcinoma is of significant concern in clinical settings, and its management is a critical aspect of hepatology. Understanding its risk factors and early detection methods can greatly influence patient outcomes.

In contrast, cholangiocarcinoma is less common and arises from the bile duct cells, while metastatic cancers refer to cancers that have spread to the liver from other organs, which are usually more frequent than primary liver cancers but are not classified as liver cancers themselves. Pancreatic cancer, while serious and often correlated with liver metastases, is not a form of liver cancer. Thus, hepatocellular carcinoma stands out as the most commonly identified liver cancer among the given options.