Hepatocellular carcinoma and liver pathology in tonga.

All liver histology records from Tonga during 1970-79 were reviewed, including 42 biopsy and one necropsy specimens. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma was the histological diagnosis in 13 (30 percent). The age standardised incidence rate for confirmed cases are: males 2.9 and females 1.5 per 100 000. These are unremarkable compared to some reported rates, but many of these areas have included a high percentage of unconfirmed cases. Other diagnosis included cirrhosis (14), cholangiocarcinoma (2), metastatic carcinoma (2), cholangitis (2), hepatic fibrosis (2), and actinomycosis (1). The difficulties of diagnosis and areas for further studies are discussed.