We describe the radiological features of 201 patients diagnosed as having h
epatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Southern Pakistan. The cases of biopsy-pro
ven HCC were analysed retrospectively for years 1994-1998. Age, sex, underl
ying cirrhosis, hepatitis markers, and radiological description were record
ed. The mean age was 56 years. There were 149 males and 52 females. 82% pat
ients had underlying cirrhosis. The tumour size was measured in at least tw
o dimensions, and the maximum mean tumour size at the time of diagnosis was
8.3 +/- 4.0 cm. Of the tumours 79.5% were more than 5 cm; 56% of primary H
CC were multifocal; 51% involved the right lobe only; 15% involved the left
lobe; 34% involved both lobes of liver. Portal vein thrombosis was detecta
ble in 17%. There were no significant differences in the radiological patte
rns amongst patients who had hepatitis B virus related and hepatitis C viru
s-related HCC except for age.