Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma.
To determine the role of screening and to screen in a cost-effective manner, it is important to define the high-risk patient population that is most likely to benefit from screening and to identify a readily available diagnostic modality that is sensitive, specific, and inexpensive. Moreover, to have a major effect on the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma, the test should be applicable in the majority of high-risk subjects. Herein, we identify the high-risk patient population, discuss various diagnostic modalities, and recommend a practical and cost-effective strategy for screening.
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology