Musa Yusuf, Ifeorah Ijeoma M, Maiyaki Abubakar Sadiq, Almustapha Rahama Mohammad, Maisuna Yussuf Abdulkadir, Saleh Habib Tijjani, Yakubu Abdulmumini
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Katsina 820101, Nigeria.
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu 400102, Nigeria.
World J Hepatol. 2024 Oct 27;16(10):1132-1141. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i10.1132.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria, with chronic hepatitis B and C infections contributing most to the disease burden. Despite the increasing incidence of HCC, surveillance practices for early diagnosis and possible cure are not deeply rooted in the country. This article aims to review the current status of HCC surveillance in Nigeria, stressing the encounters, breaches, and potential prospects. Several factors, such as limited tools for screening and diagnostics, insufficient infrastructure, and low cognizance among the doctors, and the general public affect the surveillance practices for HCC in Nigeria. Moreover, the lack of standardized guidelines and protocols for HCC surveillance further intensifies the suboptimal diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, there are opportunities for refining surveillance practices in the country. This would be achieved through boosted public health sensitization campaigns, integrating HCC screening into routine clinical services, and leveraging technological developments for early detection and monitoring. Furthermore, collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and international organizations can facilitate the development of comprehensive HCC surveillance programs personalized to the Nigerian setting. Thus, HCC surveillance practice faces substantial challenges. By addressing the drawbacks and leveraging prospects, Nigeria can improve HCC surveillance, with subsequent improved outcomes for individuals at risk of developing the disease.
肝细胞癌（HCC）是尼日利亚一个备受公共卫生关注的疾病，慢性乙型和丙型肝炎感染是造成该疾病负担的主要因素。尽管HCC的发病率在不断上升，但早期诊断和可能治愈的监测措施在该国并未深入人心。本文旨在回顾尼日利亚HCC监测的现状，强调其中的遭遇、不足和潜在前景。一些因素，如筛查和诊断工具有限、基础设施不足、医生和公众认知度低，影响了尼日利亚HCC的监测措施。此外，缺乏HCC监测的标准化指南和方案进一步加剧了诊断和治疗的不理想状况。然而，该国仍有改进监测措施的机会。这可以通过加强公共卫生宣传活动、将HCC筛查纳入常规临床服务以及利用技术发展进行早期检测和监测来实现。此外，政府机构、医疗服务提供者和国际组织之间的合作可以促进制定适合尼日利亚国情的全面HCC监测计划。因此，HCC监测措施面临重大挑战。通过解决缺点并利用前景，尼日利亚可以改善HCC监测，从而为有患该疾病风险的个人带来更好的结果。
