eMedicine Specialties > Radiology > Gastrointestinal

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Follow-up

Author: Daniel R Jacobson, MD, MS, Clinical Instructor, Department of Radiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Radiology Residency Program Director, Rochester General Hospital
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Feb 20, 2009

Intervention

Percutaneous ethanol injection has been widely used for the treatment of focal, small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic livers. In addition to ethanol injection, acetic acid injection, interstitial laser hyperthermia, and microwave therapy have been used to treat HCC. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation has also been advocated for treatment of small HCCs. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation appears to be effective in achieving tumor necrosis in HCC.9,10,11

Embolization of particles such as Gelfoam into the hepatic artery can be performed to affect blood supply to the tumor. Response rates of 60-80% have been reported, but there has been no demonstration of increased survival.

The prognosis of radiologic interventions is generally poor. Long-term survival does not appear to significantly differ from survival of those who undergo surgical treatment.

Long-term survival rates for transplantation are 20-30%, while the rate for resection (possible in only about 15% of patients) is 30-40%.

 


More on Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Overview: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Imaging: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Follow-up: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Multimedia: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
References
Further Reading
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References

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Keywords

hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatoma, typical hepatocellular carcinoma, primary liver carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma of the liver, HCC

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Daniel R Jacobson, MD, MS, Clinical Instructor, Department of Radiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Radiology Residency Program Director, Rochester General Hospital
Daniel R Jacobson, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, Association of University Radiologists, and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

John L Haddad, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University; Director of Body MRI, Department of Radiology, Methodist Hospital in Houston
John L Haddad, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Bernard D Coombs, MB, ChB, PhD, Consulting Staff, Department of Specialist Rehabilitation Services, Hutt Valley District Health Board, New Zealand
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Udo P Schmiedl, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor, Department of Radiology, University of Washington; Consulting Staff, Swedish Medical Center, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle Radiologists
Udo P Schmiedl, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Robert M Krasny, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Radiology, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute
Robert M Krasny, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Roentgen Ray Society and Radiological Society of North America
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

John Karani, MBBS, FRCR, Consulting Staff, Department of Radiology, King's College Hospital, London
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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