Hepatic tumors in a Saudi patients population

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Diagnostic Cytopathology

Background:

• Liver masses present a diagnostic challenge, necessitating accurate and timely cytological evaluation.
• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health concern, often associated with chronic viral hepatitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cytological diagnoses of liver masses via fine needle aspiration (FNA).
• To identify the primary diagnoses, patient demographics, serological markers, and clinical presentations in patients with liver masses.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of alphafetoprotein (AFP) in suspected cases of HCC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 115 fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytological diagnoses of liver masses.
• Analysis of patient data including demographics, serological markers (HBsAg, HCV antibodies, HBcAb), AFP levels, and clinical presentations.
• Correlation of cytological findings with serological and biochemical markers.

Main Results:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was the predominant diagnosis in 87 patients (76%), with a male predominance (82%).
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were positive in 62% of HCC patients; Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers were also prevalent.
• Elevated alphafetoprotein (AFP) levels (≥200 ng/ml) were observed in 62 patients and are highly indicative of HCC.

Conclusions:

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is effective for diagnosing liver masses, with HCC being the most frequent finding.
• HCV infection is a common comorbidity in patients with HCC.
• AFP levels ≥200 ng/ml can serve as a diagnostic marker for HCC, potentially obviating further invasive procedures in select patients.