Iron-free neoplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma without cirrhosis in Wistar rats fed a diet high in iron.

Although excess hepatic iron in hereditary haemochromatosis and dietary iron overload in the African causes hepatocellular carcinoma, it usually does so in the presence of cirrhosis. A direct hepatocarcinogenic effect of iron has not been proved. Moreover, an animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by iron overload has not been available.