Premium
Epidemiology of hepatitis B ‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma in V ictoria
Author(s) -
Sinclair M.,
Roberts S.,
Kemp W.,
Knight V.,
Dev A.,
Gow P.,
Philpott H.,
Kronborg I.,
Arachchi N. J.,
Bell S.,
Lim L.,
Gorelik A.,
Nicoll A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/imj.12068
Subject(s) - medicine , hepatocellular carcinoma , hepatitis b , virology
Background Chronic hepatitis B ( HBV ) and cirrhosis are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC ). The proportion and characteristics of cases with cirrhosis are not well documented. Aim Our aim was to compare demographic, viral and tumour characteristics of HBV ‐associated HCC in an A ustralian cohort, in patients with and without cirrhosis. Methods Existing HCC databases at six M elbourne teaching hospitals were reviewed for cases associated with HBV . Patient demographics, HBV viral characteristics, presence of cirrhosis, serum alpha‐fetoprotein and tumour size were assessed. Mode of diagnosis was recorded through surveillance or symptoms, and treatment was either palliative, percutaneous or surgical. Results We identified 197 cases of HBV ‐related HCC . The mean age was 57.9 ± 12.9 years; 83% were male, and 55.3% and 35.3% were of A sian and E uropean descent respectively. Of 168 patient with available data, 146 (87%) had cirrhosis versus 22 (13%) without. Patients with cirrhosis tended to be older (median 60 vs 52 years, P = 0.078). A sian patients were more likely to have HCC without cirrhosis than E uropeans (17% vs 6%, P = 0.04). There were no other differences identified between cirrhotic and non‐cirrhotic patients. Thirty‐four per cent of patients had tumours greater than 5 cm at diagnosis, and 47% were diagnosed after presenting with symptoms. Twelve patients with HBV‐HCC were outside current screening guidelines. Conclusion Most patients in M elbourne with HBV ‐associated HCC have cirrhosis. HCC characteristics in non‐cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients were similar. The large number of patients detected through symptoms and with large tumours reinforces the need for vigilance in screening.