A 21-year-old member asked:
Is hepatitis b infection associated with liver cancer?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lance Steinanswered
Specializes in Hepatology
Yes: Yes. Patient with chronic hepatitis b will require screening for liver cancer at some point. Current recommendations are starting at age 20 for african born individuals and age 40 for Asian born individuals. However, patients prior to these ages can develop cancer. High HBV viral loads are associated with increased risk of cancer. As always develop a screening plan with your liver doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Crespinanswered
Gastroenterology 30 years experience
Yes: Liver cancer is the most common cancer in asia because almost 25% of the Asian population has hepatitis b. Many patients acquire hepatitis b from their mothers and can develop liver cancer as early as mid 20s.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. John Edmisonanswered
Gastroenterology 21 years experience
Yes: Unlike most viral hepatitides, hepatitis b is associated with liver cancer regardless of the presence of cirrhosis. Therefore, blood test (i.e. Alpha-fetoprotein) and imaging study (i.E abdominal ultrasound) are recommended every 6 months beginning at the age of 40.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 29-year-old member asked:
Does hepatitis b lead to liver cancer?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Liawaty Hoanswered
Hematology and Oncology 25 years experience
Yes it can : Yes hepatitis b can lead to a liver cancer. Majority of hepatitis b will be cured and resolved by your immune system- some of them however will continue and go into chronic active phase -where the virus remains active and viable inside your body- and this can lead into further damage to your liver - i.e. Liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 12, 2020
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