Diagnosis and treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease -related hepatocellular carcinoma

With the escalating global prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as the predominant chronic liver disease worldwide, which can ultimately result in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Currently, with the effective control of viral hepatitis, MAFLD is emerging as an increasingly significant etiology for HCC. Despite the distinctive characteristics of MAFLD-related HCC (MAFLD-HCC) compared to other etiologies of HCC, its current etiology is not universally considered in all international clinical practice guidelines for HCC. In this review, we provide an overview of the prevalence, diagnostic criteria, challenges in early detection, and current treatment strategies for MAFLD-HCC. This comprehensive analysis aims to enhance understanding of MAFLD-HCC and optimize clinical management to improve patient prognosis.