Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the most common cause of cancer death in Asia, including Japan, and despite remarkable advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, prognosis remains poor and early detection of HCC is an urgent subject.
As early as 1981, we have investigated ultrasound mass screening of groups with a high risk for HCC, once a year in the five major cities in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, for 10 years with collaboration of volunteer groups.
To facilitate efficient screening, high-risk group for HCC were selected: previous history of liver disease, with liver dysfunction, with family history of liver disease, with previous blood transfusion, and carriers of hepatitis B virus and with a history of non-A, non-B viral hepatitis.
US examination was carried out using 5 - 7 units of real time US machines by sonographers under supervision by sonologist.
Of a total of 10,550 cases examined, sex ratio was 1.39/1.0 males, the average age was 48.8 year for males and 49.5 years for females. There were 3,112 examinees positive for HBs antigen, 2,759 with family history of liver diseases and 2,137 with previous transfusion.
Of the total 10,550 cases examined, 78 HCC cases (0.74%) were detected, besides other malignant tumors reached 91cases.
The serum battery tests were carried out in parallel and a significant number of sera disclosed liver dysfunction and nonAnonB hepatitis related sera were later identified as C type hepatitis.
A total of 60 cases received treatment: surgical resection, TAE:, PEIT , and TAI.
The cumulative survival rate was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method.