Objective: To present epidemiologic profile of this supposedly rare condition, its diagnostic management and the results of surgical treatment in a population of the mediterranean border.
Patients and methods: Between 1987 and 1999, the records of patients operated on for hepatocellular carcinoma and in whom cirrhosis was not present on pathological examination of liver parenchyma were collected. Data were collected prospectively.
Results: Mean age was 57.6 years. There were 61 men (79%) and 16 women but sex ratio was 1/1 for patients under 50. Hepatitis B and/or C serology was positive in 22 patients (29%). At presentation, 56 patients (73%) suffered of symptoms and there was evidence of tumor at clinical examination in 30 (39%). Sensitivity of alpha-fetoprotein measurement was 55%, and 58% for preoperative percutaneous biopsy. Twelve had exploratory laparotomy only, 61 underwent partial liver resection and 4 were transplanted. Resection was presumed curative in 56 cases (73%). There was one single tumor mass in 41 cases (53%) and its mean size was 10.3 cm. Liver fibrosis was present in 24 cases (29%). After curative resection, 5-year survival rate was 46%, and favorable prognostic factors were: alpha-fetoprotein within normal range, single tumor mass or tumor size less than 10 cm.
Conclusion: Hepatocellular carcinoma arising on noncirrhotic liver is not a rare occurrence. It is usually encountered at an advanced stage of the disease. Nonetheless, it remains extirpable in many cases with low postoperative mortality and long term results are better than those of resections for hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhotic liver.