Introductory Chapter: Etiology and Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent malignant tumor of the liver with hundreds of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. Men are up to 3 times more likely to develop HCC compared to women. HCC encounters a higher incidence in countries with low socio-economic status and with improper access to healthcare. These countries also associate high alcohol intake among the population as well as increased incidence of hepatotropic viruses or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). On the other hand, screening and surveillance of patients at risk have determined the upturn of survivability in HCC patients.