FAS and cryohydrocytosis: This study was designed to assess the hepatic tissue expression of Fas/FasL and Fas expression on T lymphocytes using electron microscopic (EM) and immuno-electron microscopic (IEM) examinations as well as the circulating serum levels of sFas in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) liver disease; to analyze the role of these factors in the multi-step process of fibrosis/carcinogenesis; and the possible use of serum markers as possible candidate biomarkers for early detection of HCC.