Hepatocellular carcinoma

Question 1

risk factors?

Answer 1

• main one–> cirrhosis
• also drugs, alcohol, smoking, genetics

Question 2

symptoms?

Answer 2

• often remains asymptomatic for long time
• abdo pain
• wt loss
• anorexia
• jaundice
• symptoms & signs of mets

Question 3

Ix?

Answer 3

• AST/ALT- raised
• AFP- raised
• Liver US
• CT/MRI to stage

Question 4

Mx?

Answer 4

• surgical
  
  • resection in early disease
  • liver transplant when isolated to liver
• Medical
  
  • kinase inhibitor

generally considered resistant to chemo / radiotherapy

Question 5

prognosis?

Answer 5

v poor unless diagnosed early