Univariable Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that TNM stage (P=0.003), tumor number (P=0.023), AFP>400 (ng/ml) (P=0.004), tumor encapsulation (P=0.017), microvascular invasion (P=0.013), tumor size (P<0.001) and under-expression of MIR22HG (P<0.001) were associated with a worse prognosis of patients with HCC. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is neoplasm.