Abstract
Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma usually arises from viral hepatitis and in many cases is discovered in routine outpatient exams. However, it is also sometimes first discovered in health check-ups (ningen dock). In the present study, we examined cases of hepatocellular carcinoma discovered in abdominal ultrasonography during ningen dock at the health check-up center of our hospital.
Methods: Our subjects were 107,652 persons (65,499 males, 42,153 females; age 18 - 90 yrs., average age 48.8 yrs.) who underwent abdominal ultrasonography at our health check-up center from 2000 - 2010.
Results: During the above period, 1,543 subjects were positive for HBs antigens (1.43% of total) and 713 were positive for HCV antibodies (0.66%). Hepatocellular carcinoma was discovered in 6 subjects, all of whom were male. Excluding an elderly subject of 77 yrs., the average age was 53.6 yrs. (age range 49 - 59 yrs.). The underlying disease was hepatitis C in 1 subject and hepatitis B in 5 subjects. Regarding lifestyle history, all 6 were drinkers and 4 were smokers. In blood biochemistry results, ZIT was abnormal in more subjects than AST or ALT. From albumin values and platelet counts, hepatic reserve was predicted to be favorable. The tumors noted ranged from 6 - 27 mm in size (average 14 mm). Regarding treatment, 2 subjects underwent radio wave diathermy and 4 surgical resection.
Conclusion: Chronic inflammation is present in many health check-up examinees who are positive for hepatitis virus markers, though AST, ALT and platelet counts are within the normal ranges. Therefore, they should be strongly advised to undergo examination at a medical institution specializing in this area. We feel that the early discovery of hepatocellular carcinoma in health check-ups is very important because it provides a good opportunity to select a therapy with a high chance of effecting a cure.
