Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, also called malignant hepatoma) is the most common type of liver cancer. Most cases of HCC are secondary to either a viral hepatitis infection (hepatitis B or C) or cirrhosis (alcoholism being the most common cause of hepatic cirrhosis).
The main risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma are;
Hepatitis C (25% of causes globally)
Cirrhosis of the liver
Type 2 Diabetes (probably aided by obesity)