What cancer screening is often conducted for patients with hepatitis infection?

The screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is particularly important for patients with hepatitis infection, especially those with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Individuals with these viral infections are at a significantly increased risk of developing liver cancer due to the chronic inflammatory and fibrotic changes induced by the infection. Regular screening, typically involving ultrasound imaging and sometimes serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level assessments, is essential for early detection of HCC, which can improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.

Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma focuses specifically on the liver, making it the most relevant choice given the context of hepatitis infections. Other forms of cancer screening, such as for colorectal, pulmonary, or pancreatic cancers, do not have the same direct association with hepatitis, as these cancers develop through different mechanisms and risk factors. Therefore, the screening for HCC stands out as crucial for individuals with hepatitis infections.