hepatitis b and c: risk of liver cancer
overview
people who are infected with hepatitis b virus (hbv) or hepatitis c (hcv) virus may develop a chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis. the damage that results increases the risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
if you have chronic hbv infection:
- you may develop liver cancer even if you do not have cirrhosis. but most people who have hbv and liver cancer also have cirrhosis.
- receiving antiviral therapy to treat chronic hbv infection may lower your risk for developing liver cancer.
if you have chronic hcv infection:
- the strain (genotype) of hcv infection does not appear to affect your risk for developing liver cancer.
- you are not at significant risk of developing cancer unless you also already have cirrhosis.
- you are at greatly increased risk of liver cancer if you have alcohol-related cirrhosis in addition to hepatitis.
- receiving antiviral therapy to treat chronic hcv infection may lower your risk for developing liver cancer.
screening with ultrasound of the liver, liver function tests, and blood tests every 6 to 12 months are recommended for people at risk of liver cancer.
credits
current as of: october 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: october 24, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
