INTRODUCTION

It is not known if the nature, number and duration of presenting symptoms at diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma impact on overall survival. This study examines whether the presenting symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma have a significant impact on prognosis.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 725 patients with symptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma seen in our department since October 1983. Another 545 patients were diagnosed on surveillance or from incidental findings. Presenting symptoms at diagnosis were documented. A survival census was performed on 31 October 2015 with the national registry of deaths. Presenting symptoms were examined for association with overall survival using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank testing. Bivariate Pearson correlation was used to look for any association between duration of symptoms and overall survival.

RESULTS

Patients with symptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma had a significantly shorter survival than those diagnosed incidentally or on screening (94.0 vs. 786.0 days, P < 0.001). Survival was shorter in patients presenting with fluid retention (56.0 vs. 118.0 days, P < 0.001), jaundice (48.0 vs. 94.0 days, P = 0.017) and two or more symptoms ( P = 0.010). Pain was associated with better survival ( P < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only fluid retention (hazard ratio [HR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-1.87) and jaundice (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07-1.74) were independently associated with shorter survival. There was no significant relationship between the duration of symptoms and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who present with fluid retention or jaundice have significantly shorter overall survival. This is useful in assessing patients at the time of diagnosis.