Tissue-based histopathological or blood-based biochemical assays (α-fetoprotein, AFP) in the blood are the major screening methods for HCC.2 Recent studies show that AFP lacks sufficient sensitivity,3 the quality of the tissue-based histopathological images can be both equipment- and user-dependent.4 Further, accurate and early diagnosis of HCC remains a great challenge to date. Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.