Hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States

In the United States, the majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma have underlying cirrhosis; overall, their prognosis is very poor. Although the surgical morbidity and mortality rates are high and the chance for cure is low, resection may be curative in a few carefully selected patients. Invasive diagnostic interventions should be avoided in those who are not likely to survive the surgery or in whom the disease is too advanced.