A patient with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis can develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The cause of the cancer may be multifactorial.
Species implicated: S. mansoni, S.japonicum
Patients who live in areas endemic for schistosomiasis are exposed to other risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma such as:
(1) viral hepatitis B or C
(2) aflatoxins
(3) ethanol abuse
When to suspect schistosomiasis as causal:
(1) The patient acquired schistosomiasis as a child.
(2) The patient has hepatic fibrosis with portal hypertension.
(3) No other cause of hepatocellular carcinoma is identified. However, the effect of schistosomiasis and other exposures may be additive.
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases, Hematology Oncology
