DIFFERENCES OF RESECTED HEPATOCELLULAR-CARCINOMA WITH HEPATITIS-B OR HEPATITIS-C VIRUS

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinicop athologic differences of hepatocellular carcinoma associated with the hepatitis B versus the hepatitis C virus. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and sixty-eight patients with resected hepatocellular carcinoma were test ed for viral hepatitis. Ten (6%) had both the hepatitis B surface anti gen and antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. Thirty-three (20%) had ne ither marker. Sixteen (9%) had only the hepatitis B surface antigen (g roup B), and 109 (65%) had only antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (g roup C). We compared groups B and C clinicopathologically. RESULTS: Th e mean tumor diameter was larger in group B than in group C (6.3 cm vs 3.4 cm), while group B patients were younger than group C (48 yrs vs 62 yrs, p<0.0001). Poor liver function, histologic cirrhosis and chron ic active hepatitis were frequently found in group C. The 1- and 2-yea r tumor-free survival rates following surgery in group B were 67% and 33%,and those in group C were 73% and 49%. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year surv ival rates following surgery in group B were 78%, 68%, and 0%, while t hose in group C were 92%, 83%, and 76% (p=0.0189). CONCLUSIONS: Hepato cellular carcinoma with concomitant hepatitis B viral infection was fo und to present as larger tumors in younger patients with less severe l iver dysfunction. Hepatocellular carcinoma with concomitant hepatitis C viral infection was often detected in follow-up studies when it was small.