Association of Hepatitis C with Hepatocelluar Carcinoma: A Cross-Sectional Study from Northern Pakistan

Aim:Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most deleterious among cancer types which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The disease more commonly affects men usually in their fifth and sixth decade of life. Hepatitis C is considered to be the most common risk factor associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of our study was to determine the association of Hepatitis C with HCC among patients presenting at our hospital from Northern Pakistan and impact on management and prognosis. Material and methods:A cross sectional study that was carried out over a period of one and half years included a total of 145 patients of hepatocellular carcinoma. The data was assessed and viral serology was done for all the patients. Analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: Seventy three percent patients in our study group were positive for Hepatitis C. Most patients presented in late stages with poor performance status in the background of severe chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, distension and jaundice. Most patients were subjected to palliative and best supportive care and there was no candidate for curative surgical treatment. Conclusion: The study concluded that Hepatitis C associated HCC is most common in our area yet the major burden of the disease is remains undetected due to lack of awareness and national screening programs leading to late presentation with incurable disease.