title: Extrahepatic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem. The treatment of HCC depends on the tumour stage and on the severity of underlying cirrhosis, however, a majority of HCC patients have advanced disease at presentation. In recent years extra-hepatic spread (ES) of HCC seems to have been observed more frequently than in the past even if few data exist in literature on prevalence, clinical presentation and prognosis of patients with HCC ES. Aim of this brief review is underline the main concerns, pitfalls and warnings in practicing with these patients. ES of HCC are not rare, and the probability of finding ES is higher in patients with advanced intra-hepatic HCC. The more frequent ES sites are lung lymph nodes and bones, but also the head and neck district can be affected. The prognosis of HCC patients with ES is poor and sorafenib seems to be the only therapeutic option.
authors.affiliation: Section of Gastroenterology, Di.Bi.Mi.S., University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cabibbo
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Compilato
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Genco
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Campisi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000556:secondary*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011379:Prognosis; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077157:Sorafenib
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D009536:Niacinamide; D000077157:Sorafenib