skip to main content

Cirrhosis HCC surveillance — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateInternal Medicine (chronic management)Cirrhosis HCC surveillanceUSMLE Step 3

A 64-year-old man with cirrhosis from hepatitis C comes for follow-up. He has mild ascites controlled with spironolactone and furosemide. Ultrasound 6 months ago showed no focal lesions. Current labs show platelet count 86,000/mm3, albumin 3.1 g/dL, and INR 1.4. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Abdominal ultrasound with or without alpha-fetoprotein now

Patients with cirrhosis require hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance every 6 months, commonly with ultrasound with or without alpha-fetoprotein. Sustained virologic response reduces but does not eliminate HCC risk in cirrhosis.

Reference: AASLD Hepatocellular Carcinoma Practice Guidance