Underlying Liver Disease, Not Tumor Factors, Predicts Long-term Survival After Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Death caused by HCC is rare beyond 5 years after resection of HCC in the absence of fibrosis or cirrhosis. The data suggest that chronic liver disease acts as a field of cancerization contributing to new HCC. These patients may benefit from therapies directed at the underlying liver disease.