Radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary hepatic tumor and the fifth most common cancer worldwide. The incidence continues to rise worldwide due to its association with hepatitis B and C viral infections. Cirrhosis is present concurrently with HCC in approximately 90% of the identified cases [1, 2]. Furthermore, the incidence of HCC increases with the severity of cirrhosis. Follow-up studies have identified HCC as one of the most common causes of death in the cirrhotic patient [3, 4]. The management of HCC, therefore, is based both on the stage of the malignancy and on the underlying functional status of the liver. Local tumor ablative techniques remain a reasonable treatment consideration for patients with disease confined to the liver who are not candidates for resection or transplantation.