Figure 1.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) epidemiology in Europe. Prospectively, because of hepatitis B vaccination programs and new highly effective anti-HCV therapies the incidence of HCC in the context of viral hepatitis will gradually decrease. In contrast, the global prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, encompassing hyperlipidemia, type-2 diabetes, arterial hypertension and obesity, will result in a concomitant strong increase in its hepatic equivalent, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which culminates in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This persistent hepatic inflammation is a prerequisite for HCC development, even in the absence of liver cirrhosis; therefore, the worldwide incidence of HCC is predicted to increase despite the improved prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis Art. HTN, arterial hypertension