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Cholesteatoma — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardRespiratory InfectionCholesteatomaSCE Infectious Diseases

A patient with alcohol-related Child-Pugh A cirrhosis is abstinent and clinically stable. He asks whether normal AFP measurements make surveillance ultrasound unnecessary. What is the best response?

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Correct answer: A — No; ultrasound every six months remains the surveillance basis, with AFP optional

NICE recommends surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma in eligible adults with cirrhosis using ultrasound, with or without AFP, every six months. Normal AFP cannot replace imaging because not all HCC secretes AFP. Compensated status and abstinence improve prognosis but do not remove the cirrhosis-associated cancer risk.

Reference: NICE NG50: Cirrhosis in over 16s: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng50/chapter/recommendations