Author information
1
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama, 1720 2nd Avenue South, BDB 380, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
2
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Chicago, Center for Liver Diseases, The University of Chicago Biological Sciences, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Room M-454, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Electronic address: mcharlton@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu.
Abstract
Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more common in the setting of cirrhosis, there is increasing evidence that it can develop in the setting of noncirrhotic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and that steatosis alone can promote carcinogenesis. In addition, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are recognized risks for the development of HCC. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of NAFLD/NASH-related HCC will allow the discovery of new targets for therapeutic and preventive intervention. The surveillance for HCC in the setting of noncirrhotic NAFLD/NASH, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome remains an area of uncertainty.