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Yilmaz et al. Hepatoma Res 2018;4:46 Hepatoma Research
DOI: 10.20517/2394-5079.2018.49

Review Open Access

Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma: summary of
current guidelines up to 2018

4
3
1,2
Nevin Yilmaz , Ugur Eser Yilmaz , Kaya Suer , Vedat Goral , Nedim Cakir 4
5
1 Gastroenterology Section, Research and Trainee Hospital, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla 48000, Turkey.
2 Gastroenterology/Hepatology Department, Near East University School of Medicine, Nicosia, Mersın 10, Northern Cyprus.
3 Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34010, Turkey.
4 Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Near East University School of Medicine,Nicosia, Mersın 10, Northern Cyprus.
5 Department of Gastroenterology, Medipol University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34214, Turkey.
Correspondence to: Prof. Nevin Yilmaz, Gastroenterology/Hepatology Department, Near East University School of Medicine, Near East
Boulevard, Nicosia, Mersın 10, Northern Cyprus. E-mail: nevinylmz@yahoo.com
How to cite this article: Yilmaz N, Yilmaz UE, Suer K, Goral V, Cakir N. Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma: summary of current
guidelines up to 2018. Hepatoma Res 2018;4:46. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2018.49
Received: 2 May 2018 First Decision: 8 Jun 2018 Revised: 24 Jun 2018 Accepted: 29 Jun 2018 Published: 16 Aug 2018

Science Editor: Guang-Wen Cao Copy Editor: Jun-Yao Li Production Editor: Huan-Liang Wu

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer related to worldwide death with a great
geographical variation. To be eligible for curative therapy at the time of diagnosis is important. However, the
majority of cases are diagnosed at late stages. This can be achieved with applicable screening modalities. Until
now, many organizations around the world have developed guidelines according to their own evidence-based
data for screening of HCC. The purpose of this article is to review the screening modalities of HCC to assist
gastroenterologists and providers involved in the management of HCC.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, screening, guidelines, surveillance

INTRODUCTION
As emphasized in publications, liver cancer is the second most common cause of worldwide cancer deaths
[1]
with the fifth most common cancer in men and the ninth in women in 2012 . Hepatocellular carcinoma
(HCC) represents the major histological sub-type up to 90% of primary liver cancers .
[2-5]
The first HCC cases in hepatitis-associated cirrhosis have been reported in the 1940’s . Following the dis-
[6]

© The Author(s) 2018. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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