Liver cancer. Light micrograph of a section through a hepatocellular carcinoma in liver tissue. 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 or cirrhosis. Treatment options of HCC and prognosis are dependent on many factors but especially on tumour size and staging. Tumour grade is also important. High-grade tumours will have a poor prognosis, while low-grade tumors may go unnoticed for many years. Magnification: x350 when printed at 10 centimetres wide. Human tissue.