Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is common throughout the world and most often develops
as a late complication of chronic viral hepatitis or cirrhosis of any cause. As a result of the
high prevalence rate of chronic hepatitis C, the incidence of HCC is rising in the United
States, as well as in European and Asian countries. The overall survival rate of HCC is poor,
and surgical resection and liver transplantation are the only curative treatment options.
Screening for HCC offers the best hope for early detection, eligibility for treatment, and …