Hepatocellular carcinoma development in cirrhosis

The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis, the prevention of HCC, and screening for HCC will be discussed. Cirrhosis has been considered as a pre-neoplastic condition for the development of HCC. The worldwide incidence of HCC differs according to different hepatitis viruses, and information is lacking. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process involving a number of different genetic alterations and is poorly understood. Interferon should help prevent the development of HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Screening is the only practical approach for improving the management of HCC patients, as early detection increases the application of curative treatments. However, the cost-effectiveness of various screening strategies needs to be analysed.