ABSTRACT
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is ranked as third most cause of death from cancer in world
Objective: The objective of this study was to review predisposing factors among patients with Hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] at a tertiary care centre in past two years
Material and Methods: This Descriptive study was conducted on patients who had proven HCC by histopathology or tumor marker were reviewed retrospectively and data for January 2009 to December 2010 was included. Demographic features were noted and positivity for hepatitis serology, presence of cirrhosis, level of alpha-fetoprotein, tumour size and distribution of liver lesions were noted
Results: A total of 192 patients were found to have histopathology and tumor marker proven HCC. Males were 149 [77.6%] vs females 43 [22.4%]. Hepatitis B surface antigen was noted to be positive in 27[14%] patients, and HCV was found to be positive in 138 [72%] patients. Patients with dual hepatitis [HBV+HCV] were 16 [08%] and in remaining 11 [06%] patients the etiology was unknown. Alpha fetoprotein level was highly elevated in 154 [84%] and Cirrhosis was noted in 134 [70%] patients. 117 [61%] patients had multicentric distribution
Conclusion: Hepatocellular carcinoma in this area, is related to hepatitis C virus infection in majority of the patients. A large number have underlying cirrhosis, multicentric and advanced disease at presentation. The disease is seen in the 5th and 6th decade and predominantly among males