Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, accounting for a substantial global disease burden. Over the decades, the classification and staging of HCC have undergone significant evolution, driven by advances in understanding tumor biology, liver function, and diagnostic technologies. This paper reviews the chronological development of HCC staging and classification systems, from early models like the TNM and Okuda systems to the more comprehensive Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, and the recent integration of molecular and imaging-based approaches. The paper also highlights the future potential of personalized medicine, with molecular profiling and liquid biopsies offering new avenues for classifying HCC more precisely.