Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancy in world. It is most common gastrointestinal carcinoma in Saudi Arabia. Liver carcinoma was responsible for 9.1% gastrointestinal cancer in Qassim region. Aim to conduct survey in this region for the rate etiological factors and for other possible causes yet unknown. Out of 24 cases, only 6 were HBsAg positive, 7 anti-HCV positive, only 1 was positive having both HBsAg and Anti-HCV negative. None of the cases were alcoholic. In present study malignancy was slow growing, and there was relatively long survival after diagnosis. Older age group, male predominance and comparatively low levels of AFP were also dominant factors. It is concluded that HCC is one of the common malignancies in southwestern provinces of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of hepatitis-B and C is also high in these regions