Hepatocellular carcinoma in a chronic hepatitis C patient 15 years after achieving a sustained virological response

Abstract

An 84-year-old female with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) was treated with interferon (IFN) and achieved sustained virological response (SVR) 15 years ago. She was then followed-up by blood tests with tumor markers and ultrasound (US) examinations every 6 months. Fifteen years later, a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor was detected as a 21-mm-diameter nodule. Hepatic resection was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated HCC, trabecular type. Regular, long-term follow-up that includes screening with blood tests and imaging is needed for patients with HCV, even those who achieve SVR after IFN treatment.