What is "hepatocellular carcinoma"

n. (context oncology English) A type of liver cancer.

n. carcinoma of the liver [syn: hepatoma, malignant hepatoma, hepatocarcinoma]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also called malignant hepatoma, is the most common type of liver cancer.

Most cases of HCC are as a result of either a viral hepatitis infection ( hepatitis B or C), metabolic toxins such as alcohol or aflatoxin, conditions like hemochromatosis and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency or NASH.

Treatment options for HCC and prognosis are dependent on many factors but especially on tumour size, staging, and extent of liver injury. Tumour grade is also important; high-grade tumors will have a poor prognosis, while low-grade tumors may go unnoticed for many years, as is the case in many other organs.

HCC is relatively uncommon in the United States and many other developed countries. It occurs most commonly in countries were hepatitis B infections are common.