Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

If you are in a high-risk group for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (as outlined below), regular screening for the condition is recommended. This is because the earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances of curing it. Screening is recommended for people who:

• have cirrhosis due to hepatitis B, or hepatitis C,
• have alcohol-related cirrhosis, and have now stopped drinking, or
• have cirrhosis as a result of haemochromatosis.

Screening will not normally be offered if you have cirrhosis and continue to drink alcohol, or inject drugs. This is because your continued drinking or drug taking is likely to make your cirrhosis worse, and the chances of successfully treating you for HCC, or any other liver condition, will be not be very high.

Testing for HCC

Several tests can be used to detect the presence of HCC. These include:

• blood tests which can detect a protein, known as alpha fetoprotein (afp), which is often produced by tumours,
• a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to build up a picture of the inside of your body, and
• a CT (computer topography) scan, which uses a series of X-ray images to create a more detailed, '3-D' image of the inside of your body.

Occasionally, a diagnosis of HCC may need to be confirmed by removing a small sample of the tumour and analysing it. This procedure is known as a biopsy. A biopsy can be used to tell if a tumour is malignant (capable of spreading to other parts of the body) or benign (not capable of spreading).

Glossary

• Tissue: Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.  
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a test that involves taking a small sample of tissue from the body so it can be examined.
• Blood: Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
• MRI: MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is the use of magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of inside the body.
• Swelling: Inflammation is the body's response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.