<prompt> Which of the following condition has a propensity to invade the poal or hepatic vein?Cavernous hemangiomaHepatocellular carcinomaFocal nodular hyperplasiaHepatic adenoma  <response>: Hepatocellular carcinoma has a propensity to invade poal or hepatic veins. Neo vascularity within the thrombus in the poal or hepatic veins on Doppler US is considered diagnostic of hepatocellular carcinoma. Common factors associated with increased risk of developing HCC: Cirrhosis from any cause Hepatitis B or C chronic infection Chronic ethanol consumption NASHNAFLD Aflatoxin B1 or other mycotoxins AFP is a serum tumor marker for HCC. The other widely used assay is that for des-g-carboxy prothrombin DCP which is increased in as many as 80 of HCC patients. It may predict for poal vein invasion. An ultrasound examination of the liver is an excellent screening tool. A helicaltriphasic CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, with fast-contrast bolus technique is done to determine tumor size and extent and the presence of poal vein invasion accurately. Ref: Diagnosis and Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Status Quo and a Glimpse edited by Adrian Reuben page 338. Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e chapter 92. 