[Hepatocellular Carcinoma--epidemiology and Treatment]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly occurring solid tumors worldwide and is the most frequent cause of cancer death in some parts of the world such as China and sub-Saharan Africa. HCC appears to be rising dramatically in incidence in developed western countries too. The most frequent underlying factors causing HCC are chronic viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. Early detection of HCC is a key factor in improving outcomes of therapies. There is growing evidence that HCC may be prevented with strategies aimed at preventing or treating viral hepatitis. Surgery, including liver transplantation, remains the most efficient treatment but only for 15-30% of patients. Recent developments suggest that other therapeutic modalities such as loco-regional (ablative) methods are also potentially curative.