Clinical and Histopathological Trends in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis at a Single Institution in Saudi Arabia

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with regional variations in clinical presentation and histopathology. This study aims to analyze the clinical and histopathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Saudi Arabia to identify trends that may inform early detection and treatment strategies. Methods This retrospective study included 44 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma at King Abdulaziz University Hospital between 2014 and 2023. Patient demographics, risk factors, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and histopathological findings were collected from medical records and pathology reports. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 27, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results The mean age at diagnosis was 65.77 years, with a male predominance (77.3%). The most common risk factors were hepatitis C virus (15.9%) and hepatitis B virus (6.8%), with cirrhosis present in 31.8% of cases. Most tumors were solitary (31.8%), with a mean size of 8.75 cm. Vascular invasion was observed in 25% of cases. Palliative care was the most frequently administered treatment (29.5%), followed by systemic therapy (13.6%). Histopathological analysis revealed a trabecular growth pattern in 63.6% of cases. Conclusion This study highlights key clinical and histopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for improved screening strategies and earlier intervention. Future research should focus on refining treatment approaches and identifying prognostic biomarkers to enhance patient outcomes.