Metastatic spread is by direct invasion, through ascites or via hematogenous or lymphatic routes. The most common sites of metastases include lung, followed by lymph nodes, bone, mesentery and/or omentum, adrenal glands, and brain.

Where does hepatocellular carcinoma spread to?

The most common sites of metastasis in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma are the lung (44%), portal vein (35%), and portal lymph nodes (27%). Also, intra-abdominal lymph nodes and bones are common sites.

How fast does hepatocellular carcinoma spread?

The estimated time needed for a HCC to grow from 1 cm to 2 cm was 212 days in patients with HBV infection and 328 days in those with HCV infection.