Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Biography

Biography: Abdulrahman A Aljumah

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer
worldwide. It is ranked the sixth most common malignancy and the second
foremost cause of cancer-related mortality. Th e highest liver cancer rates
are found in East and Southeast Asia and in Middle and Western Africa. Th is
diff erence in incidence of liver cancer between diff erent geographical regions is
mainly attributed to diff erence in the incidence of underlying risk factors. Chronic
viral hepatitis B and C are among the major risk factors for the development of
HCC; however, the incidence of HCC varies by geographical region, due to the
changing distribution and the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and
hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in each region. Overall, about 80% to 90% of
HCC develops on top of established liver cirrhosis, irrespective of the cause. HBV
as an underlying cause for HCC development is more common in areas where
HBV is endemic, like parts of Africa and Asia, while in the United States, Europe
and the Middle East, HCV is the commonest underlying etiology. More than half
of new cases of HCC in the US are due to HCV. HBV is the major underlying
cause for HCC development across the rest of the world and is assumed to be
the underlying etiology in nearly 50% of all HCC cases. Most HBV-related HCC
develops following liver cirrhosis, but some HCC cases may develop without the
presence of cirrhosis. Recently, diabetes, obesity and other metabolic syndrome
components have been found to be an important cause of HCC in some regions.
Chronic alcohol abuse and tobacco are among the signifi cant risk factor for HCC.
Hereditary hemochromatosis, excessive iron intake and afl atoxin are common
causes in certain areas. Nevertheless, there are some potentially preventive
measures that were postulated to decrease the incidence of HCC.