Tumor size was positively correlated with the tumor recurrence, especially for those with a diameter greater than 5 cm.36 This effect may be related to the fact that larger tumors more likely to result in intrahepatic metastasis and vascular invasion.42 However, tumor size has been found to not be directly related to prognosis of HCC in a number of reports.43 In the current study, we found that tumor size was an independent predictor for OS and RFS in AFP‐negative HCC patients. The gene discussed is AFP; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.