Primary liver cancer

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is one of the most frequent malignancies in southeast Asia and ranks third among all malignancies in China. Since the 1970s, cooperation between the clinical and basic sciences in China has lead to research on the etiology and pathology of PLC in high risk populations. As a result, rapid progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of PLC. This book reflects the cumulative experience of well-known Chinese experts. Etiology, epidemiology, pathology, and early diagnosis at a subclinical level are examined. Early detection, made possible with AFP (alpha fetal protein) assay, leads to a greater number of successful early resections and revises the concept that PLC is an incurable disease. Liver transplantation in advanced PLC cases are also discussed. This comprehensive elucidation of prevention, diagnosis and treatment is of great benefit to all scientists dealing with primary liver cancer.