Third, compared with patients lost to follow-up, patients who were successfully followed-up had higher AFP level, higher Child–Pugh score, higher BCLC stage, larger tumor diameter, lower albumin level, larger tumor diameter, higher proportion of multiple tumor nodules, tumor encapsulation, and MVI, most of which were associated with shorter OS in HCC, so the survival rates of HCC should be underestimated. This evidence concerns the gene AFP and hepatocellular carcinoma.