Guidelines for oncologic surveillance in a patient with established cirrhosis

Abstract

Cirrhosis is a chronic, diffuse disease process characterized by fibrosis and remodeling of the organ's normal architectonics into regenerative nodules. It is also one of the risk factors for cancers of the organ. One of the most common is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The etiologic agent of HCC, which usually also causes cirrhosis, can be determined in more than 90% of patients. The annual risk of developing HCC ranges from 1% to 8%. It is estimated that about 1/3 of cirrhotic patients will develop HCC. By preventing cirrhosis and controlling its course, we reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma [1].

Keywords

• cirrhosis
• hepatocellular carcinoma
• oncologic surveillance