Relief to the scourge of primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma, a major global cause of morbidity and mortality presents a gloomy picture as many patients report late in hospital when routine modalities of therapy are no more applicable. Early diagnosis of the disease is facilitated by half-yearly liver ultrasonography and serological assay of alphafoetoprotein and ferritin in high risk groups. A relief to the scourge of the disease is the new modality radio frequency ablative therapy for both early and advanced diseases as well as recurrences. Prevention of primary hepatocellular carcinoma is by food hygiene, and alleviation of poverty along with governmental disposition to incorporating vaccination against Hepatitis B virus, the commonest aetiological factor, into the National Programme of immunization.