Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer worldwide. The vast majority of cases occur in individuals with a chronic HBV or HCV infection. In addition, a number of metabolic diseases of the liver are associated with the development of HCC. PATHOPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS: The mechanisms responsible for the progression of the metabolic liver disease and HCC differ from those associated with viral liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this report is to describe the mechanisms responsible for the disease progression and HCC in case of metabolic liver disease. A secondary goal is to identify the frequency of HCC development in the disorders described.