Hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma


KEY POINTS

  • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is an oncogenic virus that is globally the most important aetiological factor in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
  • Treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) decreases, but does not completely eliminate, risk of HCC, underscoring the need for ongoing HCC surveillance in at-risk individuals.
  • HCC surveillance by 6-monthly ultrasound scanning, with or without alpha-fetoprotein level is recommended in patients with cirrhosis, and in patients with CHB who have additional risk factors.
  • Early diagnosis of HCC improves access to curative therapy and prognosis.
  • Curative therapies include liver transplantation, resection and local ablation.
  • Additional therapies that prolong survival include transarterial chemoembolisation and sorafenib.

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