Epidemiology and outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma in Lombardy

This prospective, region-wide, cohort study showed that the characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in Lombardy (1998) do not differ from those reported in previous Italian surveys. Although most hepatocellular carcinomas were discovered at a relatively early stage, a large part remained untreated and the overall prognosis was poor. Efforts are warranted to implement screening-surveillance programmes and the impact of therapeutic strategies.