Where we go with hepatocellular carcinoma: past, present, and future perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews past and current studies of hepacellular carcinoma (HCC), current investigations, the direction of research on HCC, and future perspectives.


METHODS
The discussion is based mainly on a survey of the literature and the author's experiences with patients.


RESULTS
Capability for diagnosing premalignant lesions is very limited, and methods are needed to predict the nature of hepatic nodules and diagnose early HCC. Current practice is far from satisfactory. Diagnosis of early HCC should not depend on H&E staining alone. More molecular information should be obtained for diagnosing early lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention is the only way to reduce the number of HCC patients. There are four steps for prevention which require further attention and improvement.
Okuda
Kunio
K
Department of Medicine, Chiba University School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy