Narrative review: Epidemiology and acting mechanisms of risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a main human malignant primary liver tumour. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma differs among geographic regions, ethnic groups, genders and ages. Approximate 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases can be attributed to hepatitis B and C virus infections. Hazardous alcohol consumption, obesity, dietary aflatoxin B1 exposure and hemochromatosis are also significantly associated with development of HCCs. These risk factors alter DNA, modify protein or induce oxidative stress, leading to malignant transformations of hepatocytes.