Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, South South Nigeria

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver malignancy in Nigeria and is closely associated with hepatitis B virus infection and aflatoxin exposure, making its burden in southern Nigerian states substantial. This study examines the clinical and radiological characteristics, treatment options, and outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma cases managed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State. A retrospective cross-sectional design is applied to gastroenterology and surgical oncology records over a five-year period from 2018 to 2022. Variables include patient age, sex, Child-Pugh hepatic reserve score, alpha-fetoprotein level, tumour size and number on imaging, BCLC staging, hepatitis B and C serology, treatment modality (sorafenib, transarterial chemoembolisation, or best supportive care), and survival at six and twelve months. SPSS is used for descriptive and survival analysis. Available oncology literature from South South Nigeria consistently identifies presentation at BCLC stage C or D in over 75 percent of cases, with Child-Pugh B or C liver reserve limiting active treatment options. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system and the AASLD hepatocellular carcinoma clinical practice guidelines provide the analytical framework. Findings will contribute to the hospital's oncology database and support arguments for hepatitis B vaccination scale-up and early hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance programmes. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, BCLC staging, hepatitis B, Benin City, South South Nigeria.