Successful Surgical Removal of a Huge Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Hepatectomy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolisation (TACE) are generally accepted methods for the treatment of huge HCCs, but the most appropriate treatment is still controversial. We report a 43-year woman with giant HCC, who successfully underwent surgery. The patient was admitted with persistent right upper abdominal pain and fever. Before operation, we assessed the residual liver function and reserve capacity of the patient, and excluded the relevant surgical contra-indications. The results showed that the patient could tolerate surgical treatment, so we performed HCC resection, and the patient was successfully treated. Individualised treatment should be carried out according to tumor factors, baseline liver function and patient's functional status, so as to maximise the benefit to patients.