Hepatomas have same degree vascularity as nl liver tissue; mets to liver have decreased vascularity; hemangiomas have elevated vasc. See also under "Gastroenterology"
Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels have poor predictive value for hepatocellolar carcinoma (Am. J. Gastroent. 101:524, 2006--JW)
Treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma include direct tumor destruction e.g. by percutaneous injection of ethanol, RF ablation, cryoablation, microwave, etc.
In a study in 855 pts with histologically advanced chronic hepatitis C who underwent serum AFP measurement Q3mos x 4y (plus yearly ultrasound), AFP > 20ng/mL had sensitivity of 60% for development of hepatocellular Ca in the subsequent 24mos, but positive predictive value was only 10%. At cutoff of 200 ng/mL, PPV was 31% but sensitivity was only 20%. (Am. J. Gastroent. 107:64, 2012-JW)