Abstract

BUSTIOS SANCHEZ, Carla et al. Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of the hepatocellular carcinoma and treatment in the department of digestive system diseases of the National Hospital "Eduardo Rebagliatti Martins" (HNERM) - ESSALUD. Rev. gastroenterol. Perú [online]. 2009, vol.29, n.1, pp.17-23. ISSN 1022-5129.

The hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world. The purpose of this paper is to determine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and the treatment of patients diagnosed with this disease. Method: Longitudinal prospective study that includes patients diagnosed with HCC in the Digestive System Department of HNERM - ESSALUD between August 2007 and August 2008. Results: Thirty six (36) patients with an average age of 60.1 years were included, 61.1% were male and 69.1% suffered from cirrhosis. The average age of cirrhotic patients was 68.9 years, and of non-cirrhotic patients 40 years in average (p<0,001). The most frequent associated ethiology was the Hepatitis C virus, with 38.9%. Only 60% showed levels of alfafetoprotein higher than 200 ng/ml. In patients with hepatic cirrhosis 80% presented Child-Pugh B and C stage classification. 44.4% of patients with HCC were only tributary to symptomatic therapy. Conclusions: The epidemiological pattern of the hepatocellular carcinoma is different in patients with and without hepatic cirrhosis. In the first case, the characteristics are similar to those of the low-risk groups for HCC, whereas in the second case, the characteristics are similar to those of high-risk populations. The HCC is generally associated with the hepatitis B virus and most cases are diagnosed in their advanced stages.

Keywords : Hepatocellular carcinoma; epidemiology; diagnosis; treatment.

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