what is hcc

HCC stands for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, which is the most common type of primary liver cancer. It is a serious illness that can be life-threatening, but if caught early, it can be successfully treated. HCC usually grows slowly in its early stages, and most people who develop it have cirrhosis, which is a build-up of scar tissue due to years of liver damage. Some risk factors for HCC include having hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, obesity, and diabetes. Symptoms of HCC may include abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. HCC can be diagnosed through imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, and through blood tests that measure tumor markers. Treatment options for HCC depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.