A STUDY OF SEURM TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-ALPHA LEVIELS IN LIVER CIRRHOSIS AND HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Abstract

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, cirrhosis regardless of its etiology is a risk factor for tumor formation. Early detection and resection of the tumor may lead to prolonged survival. In spite of that liver biopsy is highly indicated for correct diagnosis of HCC, it is very difficult to repeat it for early detection of HCC in cirrhotic patients. So searching for tumor markers that are not harmful for the patient and easily done for follow up of HCC in cirrhotic patients is highly indicated.

This study was conducted to study the serum level of transforming growth factor- alpha (TGF-a) in liver cirrhosis and HCC associated with cirrhosis to throw more light on its clinicopathological significance. Fourty patients were classified according to histopathology into: Cirrhotic group (20 patients)

HCC associated with cirrhosis (20 patients)

In addition to 20 apparently healthy individuals which served as controls.

AU studied pattens and controls were suQ]ected to:

1 ) Thorough history taking and clinical examination.

2) Routine laboratory investigations for kidney function, stool and urine analysis and complete blood picture.