Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Risk factors for HCC

• Hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.
• Alcoholism.
• HH
• PBC > PSC
• Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
• Steroids

Investigations in HCC

• Ultrasound scan (USS)
  • First line and very sensitive
• Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
  • If a >2 cm mass is detected on USS and AFP is also raised, this is diagnostic
•  CT
  • Can look for local spread and CT of the thorax can look for metastases.
  • MRI or FNA if diagnosis still in doubt

Prognosis in HCC

• Estimated survival based on CLIP score

Click here to download free teaching notes on Decompensated CLD: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

Perfect revision for medical students, finals, OSCEs and MRCP PACES