Which one of the following statements regarding hepatocellular carcinoma is correct?
A. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor
B. Screening has not been shown to be effective
C. Bevacizumab may be used for advanced cases
D. The incidence is significantly higher in women
ANS: A
Hepatocellular carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B is the most common cause of HCC worldwide with chronic hepatitis C being the most common cause in Europe.
The main risk factor for developing HCC is liver cirrhosis, for example secondary* to hepatitis B & C, alcohol, haemochromatosis and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Other risk factors include:
alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
hereditary tyrosinosis
glycogen storage disease
aflatoxin
drugs: oral contraceptive pill, anabolic steroids
porphyria cutanea tarda
male sex
diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome