PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which condition often presents with jaundice and ascites?

1. Cirrhosis

2. Hepatocellular carcinoma

3. Pancreatitis

4. Cholecystitis

The correct answer is: Hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma can indeed present with symptoms like jaundice and ascites, particularly in advanced stages or in the context of underlying liver disease. Jaundice occurs due to the liver's impaired ability to metabolize and excrete bilirubin, which can be a result of the tumor obstructing bile flow or affecting liver function. Ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, can occur as a consequence of portal hypertension or liver dysfunction caused by malignant liver tumors. While cirrhosis is often associated with both jaundice and ascites due to chronic liver failure and portal hypertension, hepatocellular carcinoma may arise as a complication of pre-existing liver cirrhosis and exhibits these symptoms specifically when it becomes symptomatic or is of significant size. It is crucial to differentiate between primary liver diseases like cirrhosis and complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma, especially since treatment approaches and prognoses differ. Pancreatitis and cholecystitis, although they may involve abdominal symptoms, typically do not manifest with jaundice and ascites in the same context as liver-related diseases. Pancreatitis primarily causes abdominal pain and may lead to fluid collections, while cholecystitis involves inflammation of the gallbladder