Liver cancer cell. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell, showing the numerous filopodia (hair-like) covering their surface. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer. It tends to occur in livers damaged by genetic defects, alcohol abuse, or chronic infection with diseases such as hepatitis B and C. Primary liver cancer, which starts in the liver, is relatively rare in the UK, with about 3, 600 people diagnosed each year. However, because of the prevalence of hepatitis caused by contagious viruses, it accounts for up to half of all cancers in some undeveloped countries. Magnification: x3000 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. Specimen courtesy of Greg Towers, University College London, UK.