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Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Etiology and Natural History

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Primary Liver Cancer

Part of the book series: Clinical Gastroenterology ((CG))

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, accounting for ∼85% of all cases [1]. Overall, it is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, representing about 5.7% of all new human cancer cases [2]. It also ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the world [2]. The number of deaths per year due to HCC is almost identical to its incidence, which highlights the poor prognosis and aggressive nature of the cancer [2]. The goal of this chapter is to review the epidemiology, etiologic associations, and natural history of HCC, which poses a significant public health problem in many countries around the world.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Tinsay A. Woreta MD, MPH & James P. Hamilton MD

Authors
  1. Tinsay A. Woreta MD, MPH
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  2. James P. Hamilton MD
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Correspondence to James P. Hamilton MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Center, Center for Liver Disease, The University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Ave. MC 7120, Chicago, 60637, Illinois, USA

    Nancy Reau

  2. , Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas, 621 Camden St, #202, San Antonio, 78215, Texas, USA

    Fred Poordad

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Woreta, T.A., Hamilton, J.P. (2012). Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Etiology and Natural History. In: Reau, N., Poordad, F. (eds) Primary Liver Cancer. Clinical Gastroenterology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-863-4_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-863-4_1

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