The incidence of HCC in the UNITED States is increasing, and infection with the hepatitis C VIRUS is believed to be the major cause. Indeed, HCC is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related death in the United States. HCC is generally associated with cirrhosis, particularly DUE to hepatitis C, hepatitis B, alcohol abuse, hereditary hemochromatosis, and primary biliary cirrhosis. This malignancy is becoming recognized as an early COMPLICATION and the most frequent cause of death in persons with viral-associated cirrhosis. Effective therapy for hepatitis B and C has led to more patients with cirrhosis being diagnosed and screened.

The incidence of HCC in the United States is increasing, and infection with the hepatitis C virus is believed to be the major cause. Indeed, HCC is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related death in the United States. HCC is generally associated with cirrhosis, particularly due to hepatitis C, hepatitis B, alcohol abuse, hereditary hemochromatosis, and primary biliary cirrhosis. This malignancy is becoming recognized as an early complication and the most frequent cause of death in persons with viral-associated cirrhosis. Effective therapy for hepatitis B and C has led to more patients with cirrhosis being diagnosed and screened.