Clinical study on etiologic aspects of primary hepatocellular carcinoma

In spite of many animal experiments and clinical observations, the etiologic aspects of primary hepatocellular carcinoma remain obscure. In 20 cases of primary hepatocellular carcinoma occurring in cases of liver cirrhosis, the author clarified the etiologic aspects. In 10 out of 20 cases of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, an early history of blood transfusion could be detected. In eight cases, an early history of acute viral hepatitis including three cases of posttransfusion hepatitis could be clarified. In the five remaining cases, etiologic factors were unknown but an early history of anicteric hepatitis could not be ignored. In four out of 20 cases, HBs Ag in the serum could be detected. In spite of these findings, the close relationship between hepatitis virus infection and the pathogenesis of primary hepatitis virus infection and the pathogenesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma must be taken into consideration. The period of time from blood transfusion and/or the onset of acute viral hepatitis to initial diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma appears to be reasonable for the occurrence of the disease. The question remains open as to what role hepatitis virus plays in the pathogenesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.