Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Issue of Clinics in Liver Disease

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of liver cancer and occurs in people who have a history of chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C or hepatitis B infection. Some other diseases such as alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and hemochromatosis, and exposure to toxins such as aflatoxin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids and alcohol can increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Its treatment and prognosis vary and depend on the histology and size of tumor, overall health, and how far the tumor has spread. A few of symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma are loss of appetite, abdominal swelling due to fluid in the abdominal cavity, unintentional weight loss, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and tiredness. This book presents the complex subject of hepatocellular carcinoma in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. It is compiled in such a manner, that it will provide in-depth knowledge about the clinical perspectives of this disease. The book is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.