Primary hepatocelluar carcinoma in Saudi Arabia. A clinicopathological study of 54 cases
Atiyeh, M.; Ali, M.A.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 74(1): 25-29
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 6252776 Document Number: 168084
In 54 consecutive patients diagnosed histologically, the male:female ratio was 10:1, the highest reported. The peak age was between 40-60 yr and the mean survival was 8 mo. This is in contrast to hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa where the age is between 25-35 yr and the disease runs a quick downhill course simulating an abscess. Macronodular cirrhosis was diagnosed histologically or suggested clinically in 80% of the cases. Serum was positive for HBsAg [hepatitis B surface antigen] in 55% of the patients, compared with 8% in healthy blood donors. These figures are as significant as reports from high incidence areas and point strongly to a possible causal relationship between HBvirus infection and the development of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.