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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Hepatitis B and C: Risk of Liver Cancer

Hepatitis B and C: Risk of Liver Cancer

Topic Overview

People who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) virus may develop a chronic infection that can lead to cirrhosis. The damage that results increases the risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

If you have chronic HBV infection:

  • You may develop liver cancer even if you do not have cirrhosis. But most people who have HBV and liver cancer also have cirrhosis.
  • Receiving antiviral therapy to treat chronic HBV infection may lower your risk for developing liver cancer.

If you have chronic HCV infection:

  • The strain (genotype) of HCV infection does not appear to affect your risk for developing liver cancer.
  • You are not at significant risk of developing cancer unless you also already have cirrhosis.
  • You are at greatly increased risk of liver cancer if you have alcohol-related cirrhosis in addition to hepatitis.
  • Receiving antiviral therapy to treat chronic HCV infection may lower your risk for developing liver cancer.

Screening with ultrasound of the liver, liver function tests, and blood tests (including alpha-fetoprotein [AFP]) every 6 to 12 months is recommended for people at risk of liver cancer.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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Related Links

Hepatitis B Cirrhosis Hepatitis B: Should I Take Antiviral Medicine for Chronic Hepatitis B?

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