Why is hepatocellular carcinoma less attributable to viral hepatitis in Yemen?

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Viral hepatitis, specifically Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), remains a significant public health concern in Yemen.
• Older populations exhibit a higher prevalence of viral hepatitis compared to younger demographics.
• Limited research exists on the association between viral hepatitis prevalence and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Yemen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among patients diagnosed with HCC in Sana'a, Yemen.
• To estimate the risk associated with HBV and HCV infections in the development of HCC.
• To investigate potential risk factors, including viral hepatitis and smoking, contributing to HCC.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2008 to mid-2010 on 88 HCC patients attending oncology outpatient clinics.
• Diagnostic methods included CT-scan, ultrasound, tumor markers (alpha-feto-protein), and histopathological biopsy.
• Data on patient demographics, education, and general condition were collected via questionnaires and physical examinations.

Main Results:

• The mean age of HCC patients was 61.2 years, with a majority being female and having limited formal education.
• Histopathological biopsy confirmed HCC in 89% of cases.
• Approximately one-third of the subjects tested positive for HBsAg (HBV) or HCV antibodies. Multivariate analysis indicated that HCV infection and smoking were associated with HCC diagnosis.

Conclusions:

• An association exists between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and viral hepatitis (HBV/HCV) and cigarette smoking in Yemen.
• The observed rates of viral hepatitis infection among HCC patients were lower than those reported in international studies.
• Further research is warranted to understand the specific epidemiological factors influencing HCC and viral hepatitis in the Yemeni population.