Primary hepatocellular carcinoma associated with Wilson's disease in a young woman

A 27 year old woman with hepato-lenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease) was found to have primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) three and a half years after she was started on treatment with D-penicillamine. The tumour was resected since when she has remained well. Her liver function tests were normal throughout the course of her disease. The available literature is reviewed and possible mechanisms for this association proposed.