Patterns of cancer recurrence in localized resected hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Tumor resection in non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with adequate liver reserve offers a potential cure, but has a high 5-year recurrence rate. We analyzed the patterns of cancer relapse after partial hepatectomy to guide post-operative management.

Methods: A total of 144 HCC patients (1996-2011) after partial hepatectomy were reviewed.