Hepatocellular carcinoma (CHC) is one of the leading causes of worldwide cancer mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, as well as treatment prescribed in patients with this diagnosis.
Methods: Longitudinal and prospective study that included patients with diagnosis of CHC in the Department of Digestive System at the HNERM-EsSalud between august 2007 and august 2008.
Results: We included 36 patients, median age was 60,1 years and 61,1% were male. Cirrhosis was present in 69,1% and median age in this group was 68,9 years, the median age in those without cirrhosis was 40 years (p<0,001). The most frequent associated cause was hepatitis B (38,9%) and 60% had AFP higher than 200 ng/ml. In cirrhotic patients, 80% were Child-Pugh score B or C. Symptomatic treatment was prescribed in 44,4% of the patients.
Conclusions: Epidemiological features are different between patients with or without cirrhosis. In the first case their characteristics are similar to those described in areas of low risk for CHC; in the second group the characteristics are similar to those described in areas with high risk population. CHC has frequent association with hepatitis B virus. High percentage of patients is diagnosed with an advanced stage of HCC.