The medical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan: a review with implications for HCC seen in the west.

The problem and approaches to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma as seen in Japan are reported. Current Japanese methods for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma and the methods used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma are described. Included in the latter discussion is a description of the untoward effects of each treatment. Finally an alogorithm for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is presented based upon the Japanese experience.