Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Also known as: HCC, liver cancer

What is hepatocellular carcinoma?

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a serious and life-threatening form of liver cancer. It’s often related to other liver problems, and treatment is most successful if it is diagnosed early.

What causes hepatocellular carcinoma?

The most common contributors to hepatocellular carcinoma are cirrhosis of the liver and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD). People with these conditions should be under close monitoring for hepatocellular carcinoma. Other contributing factors include excess alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B and C.

What are the symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma?

Possible symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma include lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, a fullness or knot under your ribs, stomach pain, pain near your right shoulder blade, a swollen stomach, itchy skin, fever or yellowing skin or eyes.

How can hepatocellular carcinoma affect children?

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare occurrence in children. It’s more common in parts of Asia with high rates of hepatitis B infection.

What are hepatocellular carcinoma treatments?

If the tumor is small or isolated to one area of the liver, surgical removal of the tumor may be a possibility. If it’s severe, liver transplantation may be required. Other treatments sometimes used for hepatocellular carcinoma include ablation therapy, embolization therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiation therapy.

Reviewed by: Maggie Fader, MD

This page was last updated on: November 03, 2023 10:47 AM