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Etiology and Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

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Book cover Precision Molecular Pathology of Liver Cancer

Part of the book series: Molecular Pathology Library ((MPLB))

Abstract

Throughout the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This chapter summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of HCC. There are various risk factors associated with HCC including viral hepatitis, cirrhosis (with any underlying etiology including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)), and toxin-mediated disease. The two main hepatitis viruses associated with the development of HCC are hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Virtually all cirrhosis-inducing conditions can increase the risk of HCC. There are other etiological factors that have been proposed to develop into HCC but at a much lower frequency. As we continue to further our understanding of human HCC and the mechanisms involved, the field will gain a solid foundation that can help to refine animal models and truly comprehend the entire range of human disease.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Tony S. Brar M.D., Eric Hilgenfeldt M.D. & Consuelo Soldevila-Pico M.D.

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  1. Tony S. Brar M.D.
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  2. Eric Hilgenfeldt M.D.
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  3. Consuelo Soldevila-Pico M.D.
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Correspondence to Consuelo Soldevila-Pico M.D. .

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  1. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA

    Chen Liu

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Brar, T.S., Hilgenfeldt, E., Soldevila-Pico, C. (2018). Etiology and Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. In: Liu, C. (eds) Precision Molecular Pathology of Liver Cancer. Molecular Pathology Library. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68082-8_1

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