Liver cancer. Sectioned gross clinical specimen of malignant (cancerous) tumours (neoplasms) of the liver. This is an angiosarcoma, caused by the use
Liver cancer. Sectioned gross clinical specimen of malignant (cancerous) tumours (neoplasms) of the liver. This is an angiosarcoma, caused by the use of the chemical thorotrast for a contrast X-ray. From 1930 to 1950, a suspension of thorium dioxide (ThO2, also known as thoria or thorotrast) was injected into some patients to make soft tissue visible on X-rays. Thorotrast has now been shown to be carcinogenic (cancer causing). Treatment of this cancer involves anticancer drugs, which may allow the patient to survive longer, but ultimately only a transplant will effect a cure. A similar condition can occur in plastic factory workers, due to the absorption of vinyl chloride.
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Photo credit: © CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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