Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Patients who develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually have no symptoms other than those related to their chronic liver disease. Suspicion for HCC should be heightened in patients with previously compensated cirrhosis who develop de-compensation such as ascites, encephalopathy, jaundice, or variceal bleeding. These complications are often associated with extension of the tumor into the hepatic or portal veins or arteriovenous shunting induced by the tumor. Some patients may have mild to moderate upper abdominal pain, weight loss, early satiety, or a palpable mass in the upper abdomen. These symptoms often indicate an advanced
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the liver and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Patients who develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually have no symptoms other than those related to their chronic liver disease. Suspicion for HCC should be heightened in patients with previously compensated cirrhosis who develop de-compensation such as ascites, encephalopathy, jaundice, or variceal bleeding. These complications are often associated with extension of the tumor into the hepatic or portal veins or arteriovenous shunting induced by the tumor. Some patients may have mild to moderate upper abdominal pain, weight loss, early satiety, or a palpable mass in the upper abdomen. These symptoms often indicate an advanced