Background Liver cancer is a significant global health burden, with distinct subtypes that exhibit variations in etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment approaches. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current global incidence of liver cancer, stratified by its major histological subtypes.

Methods Incidence data on liver cancer and its subtypes in 2022 were estimated from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) and Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) XII. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated using the world standard population.

Results In 2022, the global incidence of liver cancer was estimated to be 8.6 per 100,000 individuals, accounting for a cumulative total of 865,835 cases. Our comprehensive analysis revealed that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounted for 74.5% of liver cancer cases, while intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) accounted for 20.8%. Notably, a significantly higher proportion of HCC cases was observed in males (79.5%) compared to females (63.2%), as well as in the younger demographic (78.7%) compared to the older population (74.7%). In terms of geographical regions, sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Asia exhibited the highest proportions of HCC, surpassing 80% of total liver cancer cases. Conversely, the greatest prevalence of iCCA was reported in Northern Africa (45.6%), Europe (37.2%), and Latin America (35.5%).

Conclusions This study highlights the global prominence of HCC as the primary subtype of liver cancer, with variations between different populations. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies, early detection methods, and tailored treatment approaches for the different subtypes of liver cancer, including HCC and iCCA, to address this global health challenge effectively.