Korean J Med.  2010 Sep;79(3):224-230.

Screening and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma

• Lee MA

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common cancer in Korea. Although HCC has been decreased recently, mortality rate is still high, especially in the 6th decades in men. While hepatitis B and C viral hepatitis is the most common cause of HCC, alcoholic hepatitis is being the major risk factor in Korea. For early detection of HCC, it is important to identify the risk group and to monitor with regular interval. Serum alpha fetoprotein and abdominal ultrasonography is mainstay for screening of HCC. Recently, new advanced techniques, including new biomarkers have been developed and introduced, but it is not certain for its usefulness as a screening method. The screening program suggested by National Cancer Center and associated society of liver disease is widely used in Korea. Based on screening programs, individual personalized surveillance program is needed for the high risk patients in practice.

Keyword

Hepatocellular carcinoma; Surveillance; Screening

MeSH Terms

alpha-Fetoproteins
Biomarkers
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular
Hepatitis
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis, Alcoholic
Humans
Korea
Liver Diseases
Male
Mass Screening
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
Risk Factors
Organothiophosphorus Compounds
alpha-Fetoproteins