Familial hepatocellular carcinoma in an endemic area: two case reports. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weledji, Elroy; Nsagha, Dickson; Enoworock, George; Mouladje, Maurice
• Is Part Of: BMC research notes. Volume 8:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Hepatocellular carcinoma -- Fibrolamellar variant -- Hepatitis B -- Genetics; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1366-7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-0500

Abstract

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually affects patients aged 50–70 years but earlier onset (25–40 years) may occur in hepatitis B endemic areas. 70–90 % of HCC develop on a background of cirrhosis. However, hepatitis B virus is directly oncogenic and can cause HCC in the absence of cirrhosis. This may represent a major cause of death from late diagnosis in resource-limited areas. Case presentation We report a black African family in which clinical diagnosis of HCC was made on two male siblings in the south west region of Cameroon. Conclusions The highest risk for HCC may occur in families in which a hereditary component may be acting in concert with hepatitis B virus. In all cases of HCC, it is important to screen all first degree relatives to detect early and asymptomatic disease.