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Semin intervent Radiol 2023; 40(06): 524-535
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777846
Review Article

Hepatocellular Carcinoma from a Hepatologist's Perspective

Giovanni A. Roldan
1   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Jacquelin Blomker
2   Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
,
Elizabeth S. Aby
1   Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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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

Authors' Contributions

G.A.R., J.B., and E.S.A. contributed to the study concept and design. G.A.R., J.B., and E.S.A. drafted the manuscript. E.S.A. provided critical revisions.


Financial Support

None.




Publication History

Article published online:
24 January 2024

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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