Hepatocellular carcinoma: A clinicopathological analysis of 118 cases from Riyadh Central Hospital

A review of 118 cases of histologically diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma in Riyadh Central Hospital over a 15-year period from 1985 to 1989, showed that there were 73 Saudi nationals and 45 other nationalities. The overall sex ratio was 2.5;1, M:F (1.92:1 in Saudis; and 4:1 in other nationalities). The mean age for male Saudis was 61.2 years (range, 34-85) and for females 60.9 years (range, 18-80). Peak incidence occurred at 50 years for males and 60 years for females. Hemoperitoneum from ruptured tumor (7 cases) and 1 case of recurrent hypoglycemia were noted in the series. Tumor grading was Grade I, 10 (11.5%); Grade II, 49 (56.3%); Grade III, 28 (32.2%). Cirrhosis was associated with tumor in 58.0% of cases. Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in 47.5% of Saudis and 47% in the whole group. Schistosomal serology was available in 21 cases and positive in 85.7%. The importance of hepatitis B virus in etiopathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is reflected in this study.