2011 Volume 29 Pages 91-97
Earlier diagnosis of hepatocellular-carcinoma has become possible, and resectable cases have been increasing. However, there are limitations for operation because many cases involve liver cirrhosis, and, recurrence rates after operation are high. So radiofreguency ablation(RFA) which is a less invasive treatment is the preferred method. We investigated cases of hepatic resection and RFA to ascertain which should be selected for curative treatment possible cases. The cumulative survival rate showed no difference in both groups for the patients with Child A/B, 3 cm or less in tumor diameter and 3 or less in tumor number. RFA was considered to be first choice of treatment for those cases. However, surgical resection tends to present a better long term prognosis, and should be considered for patients who are young with good liver function, and expecting a long term prognosis. Treatment should be selected on a case by case basis while considering expected survival period and QOL.
