[Epidemiology and risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma]

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased over the past decades as a result of alcoholic liver disease, the metabolic syndrome and the increasing incidence of viral hepatitis B and C.

An evaluation of the epidemiology of HCC, presentation and discussion of the risk factors for the development of HCC.

This study was based on a literature review, analysis of the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), discussion of current basic research and expert recommendations.

The results show that HCC already represents the fifth most common malignancy in men and the ninth most common malignancy in women, and the incidence is still rising. The pronounced regional differences in prevalence and underlying risk factors are mainly, but not exclusively, due to the prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis B.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major medical problem. Primary prevention measures and suitable screening algorithms are gaining more and more importance.