Gastroenterology & Nutrition

Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary hepatocyte cancer usually arising in cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B; early detection and treatment must account for both tumour burden and the reserve of the underlying liver.

Definition

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary malignant tumour of hepatocytes. It occurs mainly in cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B, is often detected through surveillance, and may be diagnosed non-invasively by characteristic multiphasic imaging in an appropriate at-risk liver.

First principles

Chronic injury creates a carcinogenic field

Repeated hepatocyte injury, inflammation and regeneration promote dysplastic nodules and malignant transformation. Cirrhosis is the dominant risk state, but chronic hepatitis B can cause HCC without cirrhosis, so risk-based surveillance is not identical for every aetiology.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

The rest of this extended textbook page is part of full access. Create a free account to read the sample topics in full and try sample questions, then upgrade to unlock every high-yield and extended page, plus the complete question bank.

This page is exam revision material, not medical advice, and must not be used for patient care. Always check drug doses against the BNF and current guidance. Full disclaimer.