Hepatocellular carcinoma: a clinical and pathological overview

HCC incidence rates have been rising in the past 3 decades and by 2025 > 1 million individuals will be affected annually. High-throughput sequencing technologies led to the identification of several molecular HCC subclasses that can be broadly grouped into 2 major subgroups, each characterized by specific morphological and phenotypical features. It is likely that this increasing knowledge and a more appropriate characterization of HCC at the pathological level will impact HCC patient management.

Automated summary

The incidence rates of HCC have been increasing over the past three decades, with more than 1 million individuals expected to be affected annually by 2025. High-throughput sequencing technologies have identified several molecular HCC subclasses, which can be broadly grouped into two major subgroups with specific morphological and phenotypical features. This growing knowledge and improved characterization of HCC at the pathological level are likely to impact the management of HCC patients.