Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer originating from hepatocytes, with malignant lesions in normal hepatocytes, and is one of the common malignant tumors in China. Its incidence has increased in recent years. The etiology and pathogenesis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma are still uncertain. It is currently believed that primary hepatocellular carcinoma is generally associated with viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, aflatoxin, and soil and water factors. According to the degree of differentiation, it can be divided into low differentiation, middle differentiation and high differentiation. The lower the degree of differentiation, the higher the degree of malignancy. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma can be categorized into three types: lumpy and nodular, and diffuse. Hepatocellular carcinoma often has no typical symptoms in the early stage. Hepatocellular carcinoma can also involve nerves, blood vessels and intrahepatic bile ducts in normal liver tissues, and is highly invasive. Therefore, for patients above middle age and those with history of liver disease, such as unexplained emaciation, abdominal pain, progressive hepatomegaly, etc., detailed examination should be carried out in time to exclude the possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma.