Hepatocellular carcinoma in Iraq

ABSTRACT

Hepatocellular cancer [HCCA] is not an uncommon tumour. Thirty seven [37] patients with histologically proved lesions are reported. Generalized weakness, abdominal pain and swelling and weight loss were present in 3/4 of patients, as were ascites and hepatomegaly, whereas jaundice was found in 2/3 of patients with ascites but ascetic Fluid examination and liver function tests were not very helpful. HBsAg was detected in 55.6% of patients and alpha feto protein [AFP] in 62.9% of patients. Ultra sound [US] detected hepatic tumours in 90.9% of patients. HCCA was associated with underlying chronic liver disease in 62.2% of patients. HCCA should be considered on clinical suspicion even in patients without evidence of underlying chronic liver disease. Haemorrhagic ascites should raise the suspicion and confirmation is best obtained by US and liver biopsy