Hepatocellular carcinoma: management of an increasingly common problem.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer that typically occurs in the setting of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis virus infections. Hepatitis B and C account for approximately 80% of cases worldwide. HCC is currently the fifth most common malignancy in men and the eighth in women worldwide; its incidence is increasing dramatically in many parts of the world. Recognition of those at risk and early diagnosis by surveillance with imaging, with or without serologic testing, are extremely important. Many highly effective and even curative therapies are now available and include resection, liver transplantation, and local ablation. Appropriate application of these interventions offers hope of prolonged survival to many patients with this otherwise lethal complication of liver disease.
Davis
Gary L
GL
Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. garydav@BaylorHealth.edu
Dempster
Jane
J
Meler
James D
JD
Orr
Douglas W
DW
Walberg
Mark W
MW
Brown
Brian
B
Berger
Brian D
BD
O'Connor
John K
JK
Goldstein
Robert M
RM