Inherited Metabolic Diseases
Some inherited diseases that result in liver damage and cirrhosis may increase the risk of liver cancer.
Inherited Metabolic Diseases that Increase the Risk of Liver Cancer
| Disease | Additional Information |
| Hemochromatosis | People who have hemochromatosis absorb too much iron from their food. The excess iron can build up in the liver, causing cirrhosis that may lead to liver cancer. Read more… |
| Tyrosinemia | This genetic disorder is caused by a shortage of one of the enzymes needed to break down tyrosine, a building block of many proteins. Build-up of tyrosine in the liver can lead to liver failure and possibly liver cancer. Read more… |
| Alpha-1 -Antitrypsin Deficiency | Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a protein that protects the lungs. The liver usually makes this protein and releases it into the bloodstream. People who have a shortage of AAT can develop liver disease and ultimately liver cancer. Read more… |
| Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) | Porphyrins are chemicals that help form many important substances in the body, including hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. People with PCT store too many porphyrins in their liver, which stops the liver from working properly. This can result in cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Read more… |
| Glycogen Storage Diseases | Extra glucose (sugar) from food that is not immediately used by the body is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells. People with a glycogen storage disease (GSD) have either too much or too little glycogen or abnormally formed glycogen. Because glycogen is stored in the liver, GSD can cause liver disease. Read more… |
| Wilson Disease | In Wilson disease, the liver cannot filter copper at a normal rate because of a genetic alteration. The copper builds up in an affected person’s liver, resulting in liver disease and sometimes even acute liver failure. Read more… |