Various extrahepatic manifestations caused by hepatitis C virus infection

It has been reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes not only liver dis ease but also disorders of other organs and tissues. Previously, many HCV-r elated extrahepatic manifestations have been reported. In this study, we re port 2 patients in whom tongue cancer was detected during the treatment of HCV-related liver disease. In one patient, tongue cancer was detected durin g the treatment of HCV-related liver cirrhosis, and articular rheumatism de veloped thereafter. The duration of HCV-related liver disease was 10 years. In the other patient, tongue cancer was detected during the treatment of H CV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. This patient had a past history of thy roid disease. The duration of HCV-related liver disease was 6 years. In the se patients, the possibility that several conditions incidentally and concu rrently developed cannot be denied. However, the conditions described above may be regarded as HCV-related extra-hepatic manifestations. In patients w ith HCV infection, it is important to examine conditions in organs other th an the liver. Careful follow-up is needed.