TITLE:
Primary Liver Cancer: Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Outcome Characteristics at Brazzaville University Hospital
AUTHORS:
Ibobi Mauria Gilga, Atipo-Ibara Bienvenue Hostaud, Molami Jhonsial Joseph Bovane, Mondinzoko Daniela Blaise, Tomaki DÂ Herman, Motoula Latou Mardoché, Ahombo Niotsebe Bénedicte, Ngami Rody Stephane, Mongo-Onkouo Arnaud, Mikolélé Ahoui Clausina, Mimiesse Monamou Jile Florient, Atipo Ibara Blaise Iréné
KEYWORDS:
Primary Liver Cancer, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Brazzaville University Hospital, Congo
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.16 No.10,
October
29,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics of primary liver cancer (PLC) at Brazzaville University Hospital (CHU-B). Methods: We conducted a single-centre descriptive cohort study with retrospective and prospective data collection from January 1, 2021, to September 30, 2025, at Brazzaville University Hospital. Data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire. The variables included epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics. Results: A total of 117 patients were included, corresponding to a hospital frequency of 9.4% for PLC. The male-to-female ratio was 2.25 and the mean age was 53.9 ± 9.2 years. Hepatomegaly (51.3%) was the most common reason for consultation. Alcohol use was reported in 60.7% of patients and 94% had poor general condition. Anaemia was observed in 83.0% of patients, and alpha-fetoprotein was elevated in 64.5%. On ultrasonography, 83.3% of patients had hepatomegaly, including 42.4% with a multinodular liver. On computed tomography, arterial enhancement followed by washout was observed in 85.7% of patients. Viral hepatitis was the leading aetiology (46.9%); cirrhosis was present in 65.8% of patients, with no compensated cases. Few patients were diagnosed at an early stage according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer classification (BCLC A: 8/117, 6.8%). All patients received palliative treatment. At the last recorded follow-up, 50.5% of patients had died and 49.5% were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: PLC is common in Brazzaville. Hepatitis B and C viruses remain the principal aetiologies. Prognosis is poor because of delayed diagnosis and barriers to accessing care.