Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C – case study

Abstract

Introduction. In Poland, approximately 2% of the total population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) (estimated at 730,000 people). HCV is an etiologic factor of chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a chronic disease which, when untreated, may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and/or primary liver cancer.  

Objective. The aim of the study was analysis of the personal medical history of a patient with hepatocellular cancer from the aspect of infection with HCV.

Material and Method. A case of a 63-year-old patient is presented with the diagnosis of  hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Carcinoma hepatocellulare), who had undergone the procedure of thermal ablation of the pathological change in the liver. The patient was treated with chemotherapy on a daily basis; anti-HCV antibodies were detected. The research method was a retrospective case study; the technique – analysis of records (internal documentation of the Regional Hospital in Pionki, Poland; while the research tools – medical history with the results of diagnostic tests, the VAS scale and the Glasgow scale.

Results. Based on internal documentation of the hospital a case of a patient was described with severe abdominal pain due to hepatocellular carcinoma, who had been previously diagnosed with HCV infection. Physical examination was presented, as well as epidemiological interview, medical history, the course of diagnostics and treatment of the patient qualified for further ambulatory treatment in the oncology outpatient clinic.

Conclusions. Screening examinations are indicted for an early detection of the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. An early diagnosis of infection with HCV, and implementation of antiviral treatment may prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.