Early Detection of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Authors:
  • WHWilliam L. Heyward
    William L. Heyward
  • ALAnne P. Lanier
    Anne P. Lanier
  • BMBrian J. McMahon
    Brian J. McMahon
  • MFMary Anne Fitzgerald
    Mary Anne Fitzgerald
  • SKSteven Kilkenny
    Steven Kilkenny
  • TPThaddeus R. Paprocki
    Thaddeus R. Paprocki
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Abstract
High rates of hepatitis B virus infection and primary hepatocellular carcinoma are present among Alaskan Natives. To determine if primary hepatocellular carcinoma could be detected at an early surgically resectable stage, serological screening for elevated α-fetoprotein levels was done semiannually among Alaskan Natives infected with hepatitis B virus. During a 26-month screening period, 3,387 α-fetoprotein tests were performed on 1,394 persons. Of 126 persons with elevated levels of α-fetoprotein (>25 ng/mL), nine males were found to have primary hepatocellular carcinoma (all with α-fetoprotein levels >350 ng/mL). Six of these nine persons were asymptomatic for primary hepatocellular carcinoma and four had small tumors (JAMA1985;254:3052-3054)