In patients with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma develops at a steady rate and is treatable when found early. Offer liver ultrasound, with or without alpha-fetoprotein, every six months, and record when it is due so it is not missed between visits.
People with chronic hepatitis B who are at higher risk can also warrant surveillance, according to local guidelines, even before cirrhosis develops.
- Offer ultrasound, with or without alpha-fetoprotein, every six months in cirrhosis
- Record the due date and set a recall
- Consider surveillance in higher-risk chronic hepatitis B, per local guidelines
- Refer any new lesion promptly for characterisation
Why it matters
Cancers found on surveillance are far more likely to be treatable than those found because of symptoms.
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