LAUSR

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cancers worldwide. Classically, HCC develops in genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to risk factors especially in the presence of liver cirrhosis. Significant temporal and geographical variations exist for HCC and its etiologies. Over time, the burden of HCC has shifted from the low-moderate to the high sociodemographic index regions, reflecting the transition from viral to non-viral causes. Geographically, the hepatitis viruses predominate as HCC causes in Asia and Africa. While there are genetic conditions that confer increased risk for HCC, these diagnoses are rarely recognized outside North America and Europe. In this review, we will evaluate the epidemiological trends and risk factors of HCC, and discuss the genetics of HCC including monogenic diseases, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, gut microbiome, and somatic mutations.