Published online May 8, 2017. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i13.627
Peer-review started: February 12, 2017
First decision: March 8, 2017
Revised: March 24, 2017
Accepted: April 6, 2017
Article in press: April 10, 2017
Published online: May 8, 2017
Processing time: 101 Days and 1.6 Hours
Centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is sited in the central part of the liver and adjacent to main hepatic vascular structures. This special location is associated with an increase in the difficulty of surgery, aggregation of the recurrence disease, and greater challenge in disease management. This review summarizes the evolution of our understanding for centrally located HCC and discusses the development of treatment strategies, surgical approaches and recurrence prevention methods. To improve patient survival, a multi-disciplinary modality is greatly needed throughout the whole treatment period.
Core tip: Centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is situated in the deeper portions of the liver and adjoins main vascular structures. Due to this special location, the management of this group of patients is challenging. Low resection rates and high recurrence rates are two major problems that urgently need to be resolved. This review summarizes the evolution of our understanding for centrally located HCC and the development of disease management, and explores the possible strategies to improve overall patient survival.