Primary Hepatic Cancer

Primary hepatic cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. It occurs commonly in the setting of cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, particularly viral hepatitis. Radiological studies are the primary modality utilized in the diagnosis of HCC, and serum markers as well as histology have additional roles. HCC is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease, and the median survival time after diagnosis ranges between 6 and 20 months. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, patients suffering from HCC can receive effective curative options including surgical resection, tumor ablation, or liver transplantation. New insights into molecular pathways and targeted therapies carry significant promise for patients with HCC. This edition first published 2013