Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cancer.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is part of the natural history of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A significant proportion of people who have cryptogenic cirrhosis develop HCC. NASH-related cirrhosis carries a substantial risk for early HCC development. Diagnosis of HCC often is made at first referral; the tumor usually is large with multiple localizations. Patients who have obesity or diabetes are at risk for HCC and a variety of cancers. Given the epidemic of obesity and diabetes, the incidence of NASH-related HCC is expected to increase. In addition to developing new diagnostic tools and pharmacologic therapies, efforts should be directed at preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Bugianesi
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Division of Gastro-Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. ebugianesi@yahoo.it
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology*; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications