Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Unlike many other risk factors, HBV can lead to liver cancer even when cirrhosis has not yet developed, because the virus can integrate into liver-cell DNA and directly promote cancerous changes.
How Hepatitis B Leads to Liver Cancer
Long-term HBV infection causes ongoing inflammation, repeated cycles of liver-cell injury and repair, and genetic changes within hepatocytes. Over years or decades, these changes raise the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk is higher in people with high viral loads, co-infection with hepatitis C or D, or additional liver damage from alcohol.
Symptoms of Hepatitis B
Many people with chronic hepatitis B feel well for years. When symptoms occur they may include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice. Because the infection is often silent, blood testing is the only reliable way to know your status.
Prevention and Lowering Your Risk
- Vaccination — the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infection
- Antiviral therapy — medicines that suppress HBV can significantly reduce the long-term risk of liver cancer
- Regular monitoring — people with chronic HBV are usually screened for liver cancer with periodic ultrasound and AFP testing
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have or may be at risk for hepatitis B, speak with your doctor about testing, vaccination, and monitoring.