Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, represents
a growing health challenge worldwide. The incidence of HCC is rising, which, in turn,
has led to a corresponding increase in the associated number of deaths. HCC will become
the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030. HCC
usually develops in the setting of chronic liver disease. Individuals at increased
risk of HCC are recommended to undergo surveillance with ultrasound every 6 months
along with serum α-fetoprotein testing. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) are considered alternatives based on specific patient factors. Lesions
suspicious for HCC are recommended to undergo a diagnostic testing, which includes
contrast-enhanced multiphase CT or MRI and liver biopsy when findings are indeterminate.
The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer prognosis and treatment strategy is the most used
assessment for patients with HCC ([Fig. 2]). Curative therapies include resection, liver transplantation, and ablation. Locoregional
therapies, such as transarterial chemoembolization and radioembolization, can be used
for patients with intermediate-stage HCC. For patients with advanced-stage HCC, systemic
therapy is often used. This review aims to provide an overview of HCC from a hepatologist's
perspective, including epidemiology, screening, surveillance, diagnosis, and management.
Keywords
interventional radiology - hepatology - hepatocellular carcinoma - hepatoma - epidemiology
- screening - surveillance
