Hepatocellular carcinoma in Cameroon : sonographic findings and clinical outcome : a study of 72 cases in the University Teaching Hospital; Yaounde; Cameroon

ABSTRACT

Sonographic findings and clinical outcome of 72 consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Yaounde University Teaching during a period of 20 months are reviewed. The purpose of the study was to assess the sonographic pattern and natural history of HCC in Cameroon. The diagnosis was established by fine needle biopsy; or by a combination of clinical features; elevated serum alphafoetoprotein and sonographic findings. There were 55 males and 17 females. Fifty-five (76 per cent) patients presented with hepatomegaly. Three types of HCC were found nodular; diffuse and mixed. Twenty-two patients had significant ascites. A thrombus in a major portal vein was present in 19 patients. Ten had secondary lesions on presentation. Only one patient was operated on; but the tumour was not resectable