Background
In past years, the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was always made when the disease was advanced, when patients were symptomatic. However, due to the revolution in the diagnostic tools many patients now are diagnosed at an early stage while liver function is still preserved. In addition, there are different treatment modalities available that will have a positive impact on survival.
Patients and methods
This prospective study was conducted upon 50 patients with HCC, treated and followed up from March 2008 to May 2012 at Zagazig University hospitals, AL-Azhar University hospitals, and International Medical Center.
Results
Regarding liver resection, nine patients underwent right hepatectomy, two patients had left hepatectomy, and atypical (localized) resection had been performed in four patients. With respect to living donor liver transplantation, 15 patients had right lobe graft. Regarding radiofrequency ablation, 10 patients underwent this procedure under general anesthesia. With respect to transarterial chemoembolization, 17 sessions were performed for 10 patients.
Conclusion
Radiofrequency ablation and liver resection are comparable in small HCC lesions. Transarterial chemoembolization is sometimes the only available way for unfit patients and when surgical resection is contraindicated. Liver transplantation is the remaining treatment left for many patients with end-stage liver disease who fulfill Milan criteria.