I heard that the liver of people with HBV can develop cancer even when there’s no cirrhosis. Is it true?
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Unfortunately this is true. It has to do with the way that the virus integrates itself into the host genome. So basically the HBV virus alters the DNA of liver cells. However, taking antiviral medication can reduce the risk of liver cancer by suppressing viral replication.
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Hi @Arb,
I agree with @et5656. While this is not the norm, it definitely does happen to some patients where there is no evidence of cirrhosis, yet they develop liver cancer. Best, Bansah1
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Yes . In fact all my tumor marker like Alfa feto protein is < 3 and my ALT is <19 The cccDNA and Integrated HBV DNA–driven HCC. Problem is my surface antigen is >/= 150 . It leads into HCC . Therefore, if your HVB is genotype C be careful it’s far more virulent and genotype B , therefore and alternate Ultrasound/ MRI is detrimental to catch early lesion
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Yes, I agree with @Ccheng8346 . Genotypes C and D are more aggressive than other genotypes, and carry an even higher risk of developing liver cancer. Unfortunately, I don’t think the test to determine genotype is performed very often, so you may have to ask for it.