Modern diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: Utilization of liver biopsy and genomic markers

The incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) has been rising in both Europe and the United States, largely due to the growing prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) cirrhosis [1]. Despite advances in technology and available treatments, there has been little improvement in the overall survival likely due to the fact that most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages [2,3]. Cirrhosis is the most important risk factor for the development of HCC [4]. HCV and hepatitis B (HBV) are the major etiological agents that lead to HCC [5,6], though all etiologies that lead to cirrhosis also increase the risk of developing HCC.