| Theme |
Early detection and prevention for cancer of dialysis patients |
| Title |
Hepatitis and liver cancer in dialysis patients |
| Author |
Atsushi Nakamura |
Division of Surgery, JCHO Sendai Hospital |
| Author |
Noritoshi Amada |
Division of Surgery, JCHO Sendai Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
In Japan, the prevalences of hepatitis B and C viral infections continues to be higher in patients undergoing dialysis. A higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which mostly develops from viral hepatitis, is also observed in dialysis patients. Therefore, surveillance of dialysis patients with HBV or HCV infections is recommended for early diagnosis of HCC by employing diagnostic imaging and tumor marker tests. HCC treatment involves a wide variety of approaches for HCC patients with normal renal functions. Most of these therapeutic approaches are available to dialysis patients and should be considered when possible. In addition to establishment of therapeutic strategies for HCC in dialysis patients, efforts to decrease HCC incidence through prophylaxis and antiviral therapy for viral hepatitis are hoped for. |