Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary cancer of the liver. Geographical distribution of HCC varies throughout the world with an incidence rate ranging from 2.1 in Central America to 35.5 in Eastern Asia. The burden of HCC has been increasing in Egypt with a doubling in the incidence rate in the past 10 years. This may be attributed to high prevalence of HCV in Egypt. Egypt has a high incidence of HCC about 21% in cirrhotic Egyptian patients. HCV and HBV infections, diabetes

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... smoking are the main determinants of HCC development in Egypt. Occult HBV infection may influence the outcome of HCV infection leading to development of HCC. An active surveillance and secondary prevention programs for patients with chronic hepatitis are the most important steps to reduce the risk of HCC.