Should LI-RADS or Liver Biopsy be used to Diagnose Suspected Hepatocellular Carcinoma? Assessment of Current Practice Patterns and Perspective from a Metropolitan Cancer Center

Abstract

Worldwide, liver cancer is the fifth most common malignancy and the fourth leading cause of malignancy-related deaths [1]. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) makes up >80% of new cases of liver cancer, with >80% of those cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa or in East Asia. In fact, China alone holds >50% of new cases of HCC [2,3]. In the United States, HCC is the fastest growing cause of cancer-related death in men, although notably, the largest proportional increases occurred among whites (Hispanics and Non-Hispanics) [4].