The progression of hepatitis B- and C-infections to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma: presentation, diagnosis, screening, prevention, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Much information has been gained in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC during the last 15 years. Ever improving imaging technology has made nonhistologic diagnostic criteria possible, albeit controversial. Liver transplantation, resection, and RFA are considered curative options. Yet,HCC incidence is steadily rising because of limited progress on disease prevention. Accurate and cost-effective screening is necessary. Presently, only 10% to 15% of HCC patients present with a curative stage of disease. Because the field of HCC is rapidly changing, patients with HCC should be referred to liver centers with a full array of services, from surgical to oncologic. The prognosis for HCC patients will surely improve with a multidisciplinary approach to care and further clinical research. Better screening and prevention of recurrence should eventually improve survival. It is hoped that antiviral treatment studies will lower the risk of HCC, and that these changes will occur soon enough to help the many patients at risk for or diagnosed with HCC over the next several years.