[Hepatocellular carcinoma]

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes 1% of all the cases of cancer in Denmark. The global incidence appears to be increasing. HCC is highly malignant with an average survival rate of approximately six months after establishing the diagnosis. A histological variant of HCC, fibrolamellar hepatocarcinoma, has, however, a one-year survival rate of 75%. HCC has a multifactorial etiology in which the most important factors are the Hepatitis B virus, cirrhosis and aflatoxin with alcohol as synergic co-carcinogen. The therapeutic possibilities are few and are mainly of palliative character but resection of the liver and liver transplantation may be considered in selected cases.