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About Hepatacellular Carcinoma
Hepatacellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of the hepatocytes, the major cell type of the liver. Worldwide, HCC is the number one or two cause of all cancer deaths. Approximately, 80% of people with HCC also have cirrhosis. People that have the Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus are at an increased risk of developing HCC. The incidence of HCC is increasing in the United States , which may be related to the rise of hepatitis C virus infections.
Symptoms
Many people with HCC have no symptoms until the disease becomes advanced. Among the common symptoms of advanced HCC are:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Decreased energy
- Fevers of unknown source
- Shoulder pain
- Bone pain
These symptoms are not the only way to diagnose HCC and should be evaluated by your doctor.
Most HCC are suspected by ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scans. The diagnosis is confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or liver biopsy. Once the diagnosis is made of HCC, additional testing must occur to evaluate the main characteristics of the tumor(s). After the tumor(s) is evaluated, treatment options need to be determined. The number, size, and the location of these tumor(s) may limit treatment options.
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