Hepatocellular carcinoma natural history
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Hepatocellular carcinoma Microchapters |
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Differentiating Hepatocellular carcinoma from other Diseases |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Hepatocellular carcinoma natural history On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hepatocellular carcinoma natural history |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Hepatocellular carcinoma natural history |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamad Alkateb, MBBCh [2]
Overview
Depending on the extent of the hepatocellular carcinoma at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor. If the cancer is inoperable, the disease is usually deadly within 3 to 6 months.
Natural History
Without treatment, the patient will develop symptoms of jaundice, ascites, cachexia, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which will eventually lead to death.
Complications
Complications that can develop as a result of hepatocellular carcinoma are:
- Jaundice
- Ascites
- Cachexia
- Coagulopathy
- Weigh loss
Prognosis
Due to its late presentation, the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is poor even with treatment. Without treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma will result in early death. The prognosis depends on the following:
- Operable vs inoperable cancer
- Cancer staging: Size and metastasis play a major role in prognosis
- Patient’s general health
- Time of cancer diagnosis
References