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Familial Hepatocellular Carcinoma- First Reported Case from India
Smita Chandra1, Anuradha Kusum2, Harish Chandra2
1Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences , SRHU, Swami Ram Nagar, Doiwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India .
Summary
This case report details the first documented instance of familial Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in India. The study highlights the potential role of genetic factors in HCC development, even without common risk factors, emphasizing early surveillance for relatives.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Medicine
- Oncology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Familial clustering of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is recognized globally, with etiological factors varying by region.
- In India, HCC is rare, and familial cases have not been previously reported, making this a unique observation.
- Established risk factors for HCC include Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcoholism, obesity, and diabetes.
Observation:
- A rare case of familial Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is presented, marking the first such report from India.
- The familial HCC case lacked any conventional risk factors, including viral hepatitis, alcohol, obesity, diabetes, or smoking.
- Cytological examination proved to be an uncomplicated method for diagnosing HCC in this case.
Findings:
- This report documents the first cytologically diagnosed case of familial Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) in India.
- The absence of typical risk factors suggests a potential independent association with genetic predisposition in this familial HCC.
- Cytology offers a straightforward diagnostic approach for HCC, potentially aiding in early detection.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering genetic factors in the etiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), particularly in familial clusters.
- The findings emphasize the necessity of early surveillance and follow-up for blood relatives of HCC patients to facilitate early diagnosis and management.
- Cytology's utility in early HCC diagnosis warrants further consideration, especially in resource-limited settings or for initial screening.

