Risk factors 

• The virus which cause hepatitis B and C (HBV and HCV), are the cause of most hepatocellular carcinomas, as they lead to “chronic” liver disease. The attacked cell regenerates, or heals, but in an abnormal form (fibrosis) and makes the bed of cancer. However, 10 to 30% of hepatocellular carcinomas induced by hepatitis B develop in the absence of fibrosis or cirrhosis. Hepatitis A, on the other hand, is not a risk factor because it is an “acute” disease.
• La liver cirrhosis is the other major cause of liver cancer. It is most often due to excessive alcohol consumption, but can also occur as a result of chronic liver disease (chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune disease, iron overload, etc.).
• THEaflatoxin, a toxin produced by a type of mold that forms on improperly stored agricultural produce, is a carcinogen that can contribute to the development of a liver tumor.
• Le vinyl chloride, used in the manufacture of certain plastics, is known to be a carcinogen that can cause hepatoma.
• THEarsenic, used to treat wood, as a pesticide or in certain metal alloys, is a poison which can trigger the formation of a tumor in the liver.

Prevention