Risk Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer in the world. The aim of this study was to identify the possible risk factors causing HCC. Certain metabolic diseases like hepatitis B, Hepatitis C infection lead to liver cancer without causing liver cirrhosis and increases risk of HCC by 27 fold. Cirrhosis itself is an independent risk factor of inducing HCC by 5-fold. Drugs used for the treatment of diabetes have shown to cause HCC. Certain toxins like aflatoxins increase the risk of liver cancer. Anabolic steroids are known to cause HCC by mimicking the action of some hormones. Some of organic and inorganic compounds like vinyl chloride and Arsenic cause HCC. This article summarize the risk factors of Hepato Cellular Carcinoma.

A Review on Dietary and Non-Dietary Risk Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Cancer

“…A good percentage of alcoholics were known to develop cirrhosis, which in turn developed into liver cancer. Alcohol has cocarcinogenic properties in the pathogenesis of liver cancer, and it can influence on P450 mixed function oxidase system, thus causing enhanced activation of chemical carcinogens [49,50]. A study conducted in South Africa by Mandishona E, et al among black Africans revealed that the dietary iron overload may elevate the risk of liver cancer.…”

“…The other risk factors include cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes mellitus, aflatoxin ingestion, occupational exposure to thorium dioxide or vinyl chloride, use of steroids, smoking, older age, exposure to arsenic, gender, race, obesity, and use of oral contraceptives [49,51,53].…”

“…The viral surface antigen (HBsAg), which is present in hepatitis virus-infected individual, plays an important role in pathogenesis of hepatitis virus-associated liver cancer. HBsAg are known to activate oncogenes such as c-myc and also capable of transforming non-tumorigenic cell lines into lines capable of growing as tumors in nude mice [49,50]. HBV and HCV can transmit from person to person through sharing contaminated needles (such as in drug use), unprotected sex, blood transfusions, or childbirth [53].…”

“…Every year, of all individuals with cirrhosis, only 3 % will develop liver cancer. The nodules such as adenomatous hyperplasia and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia are the factors for cirrhotic liver, which are known to cause liver cancer [49]. Several studies have reported association between diabetes and liver cancer.…”

“…High levels of insulin hormone exposure to the liver, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, cirrhosis, and abnormal fat retention are diabetes-related factors that may elevate the risk of liver cancer. Hyperinsulinemia is known to aggravate the liver cancer risk and progression in diabetic subjects [49]. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus are bound to produce a secondary metabolite called aflatoxins, which are potent human carcinogens and are significantly associated with liver cancer in India [50].…”