Hepatitis C virus and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data point to a role of hepatitis C virus infection in hepatocellular carcinoma. The connection appears to be indirect and to be mediated by cirrhosis. Thus, geographical differences can be observed, based on the locally prevalent etiological factors for cirrhosis. In the end, prospective studies of hepatitis C virus infected persons will be needed to elucidate the role of this agent in liver cancer.