[Hepatitis C infection and liver cell carcinoma]

Epidemiological data disclose that the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing world-wide, whereas the number of cases positive for HBV-marker has remained almost stable, at least in Japan. Data from Europe show positivity of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in 72% of HBsAg negative cases with HCC and in 28% of patients positive for HBsAg. Nearly 90% of HBsAg negative patients with HCC showed a histology of cirrhosis or chronic active hepatitis in the noncancerous liver. Almost every third patient had a history of blood transfusion. These results suggest an increasing incidence of HCV - associated HCC's, as it already has been shown for patients suffering from chronic HBV infection.