HCC is the most common primary liver malignancy and cause of cancer-related death worldwide and in Bangladesh. It occurs more often in males than females. The incidence of HCC continues to escalate due to HBV, HCV infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). HBV and HCV are also important risk factors for developing chronic liver disease (CLD) and HCC.
The study was an observational study. All HCC patients in National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital and Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from Jan.2010 to Dec.2019 were included. Clinical information and demographic profiles were recorded from departmental documents and retrospectively studied. Patients were arranged as Birch Classification.
Of 1028 patients, 752 (73.15%) were male and 276 (26.85%) were female; M:F was 2.72:1. The average age of HCC onset was 57.9, lowest 23 and highest was 90. The leading age group was ≥60 years, 315 (30.64%) followed by 50-59 year 256 (24.90%), 40-49 year 254 (24.71%). 106 (10.31%) patients presented with metastasis. 688 (66.92%) patients had habitual problems. 478 (46.50%) patients were infected with HBV, 56 (5.45%) were infected with HCV, 632 (61.48%) were suffering from CLD, 180 (17.51%) from NAFLD and only 48 (4.46%) had family histories of malignancy. 240 (23.36%) patients presented with comorbidities. Only 13 (1.26%) were vaccinated against HBV and none had attended for HCC screening. Most patients were poor, 724 (70.43%%) and 683 (66.44%) were illiterate. The leading profession was farmer, 408 (39.69%), followed by housewife, 223 (21.70%).The leading symptom was pain, 348 (33.85%) followed by anorexia, 327 (31.81%), right hypochondriac heaviness, 284 (27.63%). 267 (25.97%) patients presented with impaired liver function, and 339 (32.97%) presented with high alfa feto protein (AFP). 521 (50.68%) patients were on symptomatic treatment prior to attending an oncologist.
HCC is an aggressive cancer and concomitant liver dysfunction with advanced disease impedes curative therapies. HCC can be prevented if appropriate measures are taken, such as HBV vaccination, screening of blood products, use of safe injection practices, treatment and education of alcoholics and drug users.
Department of Medical oncology of Shaheed suhrawardy medical college hospital and National Institute of cancer research & hospital
Abdullah Al Mamun Khan.
Has not received any funding.
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.