While in the past, HCC was often detected at an advanced stage accompanied by abdominal pain, weight loss, and decompensated liver disease, screening of cirrhotic patients with respect to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and cross-sectional imaging with ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography has resulted in earlier detection and greater treatment options. This evidence concerns the gene AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma.