True about Hepatocellular carcinoma -a) Most common tumor of liverb) Resectable only in 1% casesc) >70% of cases shows -↑ed AFPd) USG guided aspiration biopsy is used for diagnosis
**Core Concept**
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver, with a complex etiology involving chronic liver disease, viral infections, and genetic predispositions. The diagnosis and management of HCC require a thorough understanding of its pathophysiology and clinical presentation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Option C is correct because >70% of HCC cases show elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a tumor marker that is often used in the diagnosis and monitoring of this disease. Elevated AFP levels are associated with a poorer prognosis and are more commonly seen in patients with advanced HCC. The mechanism behind AFP elevation in HCC involves the uncontrolled proliferation of hepatocytes, leading to the release of AFP into the bloodstream.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This statement is incorrect because HCC is not the most common tumor of the liver. The most common liver tumors are actually metastases from other primary sites, such as the colon or breast.
**Option B:** This statement is incorrect because while HCC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, it is still resectable in a significant proportion of cases, particularly in early stages.
**Option D:** This statement is incorrect because USG-guided aspiration biopsy is not the preferred method for diagnosing HCC. Instead, imaging studies such as CT or MRI are typically used to diagnose HCC, with biopsy reserved for cases where the diagnosis is unclear.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that elevated AFP levels can be seen in other conditions, such as liver regeneration and cirrhosis, so a diagnosis of HCC should be based on a combination of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings.
**Correct Answer:** C. >70% of cases shows -↑ed AFP