Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy, with increasing global incidence. Morbidity and mortality associated with HCC remains high, and HCC is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Early detection and treatment of HCC can increase five-year survival by over 60%. Detection of HCC remains challenging, however, as HCC arises from a variety of environmental, genetic, and viral etiologies, and it demonstrates a complex pathophysiology and displays a heterogeneous morphology. Current diagnostic methods rely on abdominal ultrasound with or without concurrent AFP biomarker testing for high-risk individuals. This review provides an overview of HCC diagnostic modalities and highlights the promising nature of translational developments in biomarkers, next generation sequencing (NGS), artificial intelligence, molecular imaging, and liquid biopsy for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of HCC. Furthermore, we identify areas for improvement that must be addressed before the widespread usage and implementation of these methods.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a growing global phenomenon, and its damaging effects in terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are becoming more apparent. NAFLD is estimated to affect around one quarter of the world population and is often comorbid with other metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we examine the current evidence describing the many ways that NAFLD itself increases CVD risk. We also discuss the emerging and complex biochemical relationship between NAFLD and its common comorbid conditions, and how they coalesce to increase CVD risk. With NAFLD’s rising prevalence and deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system, a complete understanding of the disease must be undertaken, as well as effective strategies to prevent and treat its common comorbid conditions.

Pancreatitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. This condition often presents as neuropathic, inflammatory, and/or visceral pain. Acute pancreatitis is typically characterized by sudden and severe abdominal pain, often in the upper right part of the abdomen. The pain from pancreatitis can be caused by different mechanisms, such as abnormal activation of pancreatic zymogens or NF-κB mediated inflammation in the pancreas. The treatment of pancreatitis depends on its type, severity, and underlying cause. Hospitalization and medications are typically necessary, while in others, surgery may be required. Proper management of pancreatitis is essential, as it can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the patient’s quality of life. The literature on pancreatitis pain management evaluates systematic approaches and the effectiveness of various treatments, such as lidocaine, opioid agonists, ketamine, magnesium, endoscopic methods, spinal cord stimulation, and other novel treatments present opportunities for exploration in pancreatitis pain management.