Gastro: Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Hepatocellular Carcinoma🎧 A high-yield breakdown of primary liver cancer linked to cirrhosis—perfect for exams and clinical practice.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Primary liver cancer arising from hepatocytes, common with cirrhosis (~90% of cases).📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Hepatitis B/C, Alcohol, NAFLD/NASH• Aflatoxins, Metabolic syndrome, Diabetes• Genetic: Haemochromatosis, Alpha-1 antitrypsin• Anabolic steroids, Oral contraceptives, IV drugs💡 Mnemonic – “HAVEN’T Caught Many Bad Habits, Genetic”• H – Hepatitis B/C• A – Aflatoxins• V – Viruses• E – Ethanol• N – NASH• T – Type 2 diabetes• C – Cirrhosis• A – Anabolic steroids• U – Usage (IV drugs)• G – Genetic (haemochromatosis, α1-antitrypsin)• H – Hypertension• M – Metabolic syndrome• B – Birth control• D – Diseases (PBC, PSC, porphyria)📌 Pathophysiology• Chronic inflammation → nodules → dysplasia → cancer• Mutations activate oncogenes, silence suppressors📌 Symptoms• Often asymptomatic initially• RUQ pain, jaundice, weight loss, ascites• Advanced: Pruritus, varices, encephalopathy• High AFP (>400 ng/mL), chronic liver signs📌 Differential Diagnosis• Cholangiocarcinoma, metastases, benign lesions, cirrhosis, hepatic lymphoma📌 Diagnosis• Screening: Ultrasound ± AFP (every 6 months)• Imaging: Contrast CT/MRI, biopsy if uncertain• Bloods: LFTs, AFP, INR, albumin• Chest imaging for staging📌 Staging Systems• TNM: Tumour, Nodes, Metastasis• CLIP: Child-Pugh, AFP, vein thrombosis• BCLC: Guides management by stage/function📌 Management• Early: Surgery, transplant, local ablation• Intermediate: Chemoembolisation (TACE), bridging• Advanced: Systemic therapy (Sorafenib, immunotherapy), supportive care• Palliative: Pain relief, nutrition, psychosocial support📌 Complications• Liver failure, portal vein thrombosis, metastases, varices, treatment complications📌 Prognosis• Early: Up to 70% 5-year survival• Advanced: 6–12 months median• High AFP = worse prognosis• Early detection critical📌 Prevention & Surveillance• Hepatitis B vaccination, antiviral treatment• Lifestyle: Alcohol moderation, weight control• Regular screening in high-risk patients 📎More MSRA Resourcesfor Hepatocellular Carcinoma📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/hepatocellular-carcinoma-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/hepatocellular-carcinoma-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/hepatocellular-carcinoma-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/hepatocellular-carcinoma-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/gastroenterology-for-the-msra/ #MSRA #MSRARevision#MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandANotes#MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision#MSRARevisionWebsite #HepatocellularCarcinoma