Tropical Medicine & Surgery

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Allyce Salgia^* Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
^*Correspondence: Allyce Salgia, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, Email:

Received: 01-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. TPMS-23-20692; Editor assigned: 06-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. TPMS-23-20692(PQ); Reviewed: 20-Mar-2023, QC No. TPMS-23-20692; Revised: 27-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. TPMS-23-20692(R); Published: 03-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2329-9088.23.11.301

Description

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a type of primary liver cancer that originates from hepatocytes. It is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. HCC is often associated with underlying liver diseases such as chronic viral hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis. In this essay, we will explore the epidemiology of HCC, including its incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and geographical distribution.

Incidence and Prevalence

HCC is a major public health issue worldwide, with a high incidence and mortality rate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the estimated incidence of HCC is approximately 841,000 new cases per year globally, and it is responsible for around 782,000 deaths per year. The incidence of HCC varies significantly between regions, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia and the lowest rates in North America and Europe.

The incidence of HCC has been increasing in many parts of the world, with an annual increase of 2%-4% over the last two decades. The increase in HCC incidence is attributed to the rising prevalence of risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B and C, NAFLD, and obesity.

Risk Factors

HCC is a multifactorial disease, and several risk factors have been identified. The most common risk factors include chronic viral hepatitis B or C, alcohol consumption, NAFLD, and cirrhosis. Other risk factors include aflatoxin exposure, hemochromatosis, and exposure to certain chemicals such as vinyl chloride and arsenic.

Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are the leading risk factors for HCC worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, where it accounts for up to 80% of HCC cases. In contrast, chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is more common in North America, Europe, and Japan, where it is responsible for up to 60% of HCC cases. The risk of HCC in patients with chronic viral hepatitis is strongly associated with the presence of cirrhosis, which develops in up to 30% of patients with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor for HCC, particularly in Western countries. Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of HCC by two to three times, and the risk is further increased in individuals with pre-existing liver disease. NAFLD, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, is also a significant risk factor for HCC. NAFLD is associated with metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The increasing prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome has contributed to the rising incidence of HCC in many parts of the world.

Cirrhosis, a late-stage liver disease characterized by fibrosis and nodular regeneration, is a significant risk factor for HCC. Cirrhosis can result from chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, NAFLD, and other liver diseases. The risk of HCC in patients with cirrhosis is estimated to be approximately 1%-5% per year.

Geographical Distribution

The incidence and prevalence of HCC vary significantly between regions and countries. The highest incidence rates of HCC are found in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, where chronic hepatitis B virus infection is endemic. In contrast, the lowest incidence rates are found in North America and Europe. HCC is also more prevalent in males than females, with a male-tofemale ratio of 2 :1.