Publication:

Demographics and trends of hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective study in a tertiary care centre, Central India

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent primary liver malignancy, ranks as the sixth leading cause of incidence and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with a heavy healthcare burden in Asian countries. Epidemiological data from India remain limited and are predominantly based on studies conducted in urban settings; therefore, we aimed to assess the demographic characteristics, analyze the etiological spectrum, and identify changing trends in the etiology of HCC in Central India.

Methods A prospective analysis of patients presented with HCC from January 2022 to December 2024, conducted in the State Cancer Institute NSCB Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a tertiary cancer care centre in Central India. Patient data and details were collected and analysed prospectively.

Results We conducted a study from January 2022 to December 2024, enrolling a total of 48 patients. The majority were male, with a mean age of 55-58 years.  A substantial proportion had a history of alcohol consumption (42%) and tobacco use (46%). Overall, hepatitis B (HBV) (47.92%) emerged as the predominant etiological agent among cases with known risk factors. Most patients presented to our institute with advanced-stage disease (Stage III or IV). The advanced stage at presentation resulted in many patients being unsuitable for curative treatment.

Conclusions The incidence of HCC is low among all cancers, but it carries a high mortality rate. Alcohol consumption and viral hepatitis were the most common causes. The disease is more common in individuals above 40 years of age, particularly in males.