Hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. The annual incidence ranges from <10 cases per 100,000 persons in North America and western Europe to 50–150 cases per 100,000 persons in parts of Africa and Asia, where HCC is responsible for a large proportion of cancer-related deaths. However, a rise in the incidence of and mortality from HCC, most likely reflecting the increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, has been observed in most industrialized countries (1-4).