Multivariate analysis revealed that despite HBsAg (p = 0.031, HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02–1.65), AFP level (p < 0.001, HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.18–1.64), GGT level (p = 0.005, HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.47), tumor size (p = 0.002, HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.10–1.52), postoperative TACE (p < 0.001, HR: 3.39, 95% CI: 2.89–3.99), cholecystectomy (p = 0.020, HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.59) was also an independent prognostic factor for RFS of early stage HCC patients. Here, AFP is linked to neoplasm.