Hepatocellular carcinoma natural history

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamad Alkateb, MBBCh [2]

Overview

Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor. If the cancer is inoperable, the disease is usually deadly within 3 to 6 months.

Natural History

Without treatment, the patient will develop symptoms of jaundice, ascites, cachexia, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which will eventually lead to death.

Complications

Complications that can develop as a result of hepatocellular carcinoma are:

• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Cachexia
• Coagulopathy
• Erythrocytosis
• Hypercalcemia
• Hypertension
• Watery diarrhea
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypercholesterolemia

Prognosis

Due to its late presentation, the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is poor even with treatment. Without treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma will result in early death. The prognosis depends on the following:

• Operable vs inoperable cancer
• Cancer staging: Size and metastasis play a major role in prognosis
• Patient’s general health
• Time of cancer diagnosis

References

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