Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rural Burkina Faso: The Role of Ultrasound
Author Information
Author(s): Nikièma Zakari, Sawadogo Appolinaire, Kyelem Carole Gilberte, Cissé Rabiou
Primary Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Hypothesis
What are the ultrasound characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the context of Burkina Faso?
Conclusion
In Burkina Faso, HCC is predominantly multinodular, hyper-echoic, and often large, with ultrasound being an essential diagnostic tool.
Supporting Evidence
- 58 patients with HCC were included in the study.
- Ultrasound identified large, multinodular tumors in 69% of cases.
- Alpha-fetoprotein levels were significantly elevated in 43.5% of patients.
- Histological examination confirmed HCC in 90% of cases where performed.
Takeaway
This study looked at how ultrasound can help find liver cancer in people from Burkina Faso. It found that the cancer often looks big and has a specific shape.
Methodology
A prospective descriptive study conducted over 12 months involving 58 patients with HCC who underwent abdominal ultrasound and other diagnostic tests.
Limitations
The study did not follow patients over time, which may affect the understanding of disease progression.
Participant Demographics
The average age of participants was 45.6 years, with a predominance of males (75.7%).
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