AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma: In conclusion, the appropriateness of hepatectomy in the treatment of HCC should be carefully considered when patients have the following preoperative risk factors: AFP > 1,000 ng/ml, tumor number ≥ 4, and/or tumor size ≥ 5 cm; these patients might be better treated with other therapeutic options, i.e., sorafenib and TACE.