This observational study investigates the association between serum Omega-6 fatty acids and hepatocellular carcinoma development. Adult HCC patients and age - and gender matched healthy controls will be included. Serum Omega-6 levels will be compared between groups to explore potential correlations with disease presence and severity .

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide . Omega-6 fatty acids have been suggested to influence liver cancer development .This observational study aims to assess the association between serum Omega-6 fatty acid levels and HCC development .

Adult patients diagnosed with HCC will be recruited from Sohag University Hospital, along with age and gender matched healthy controls . Blood samples will be collected to measure serum Omega-6 levels using standardized bio-chemical assays . clinical and laboratory data , including liver function tests and tumor stage , will also be recorded.

The study will compare Omega-6 levels between HCC patients and controls , and analyze potential correlation with disease severity .Findings may provide insights into the role of Omega-6 fatty acids in HCC pathogenesis and help identify biomarkers for early detection and risk assessment .

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Adults aged 18 years and above. 2. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (confirmed clinically, laboratory, radiologically, or histopathologically).

  3. Ability and willingness to provide informed written consent. 4. For healthy controls: individuals without liver disease or history of malignancy, matched by age and gender.

  5. For cirrhotic controls: patients with liver cirrhosis without evidence of any malignancy, matched by age and gender.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of chronic inflammatory (except for liver cirrhosis or HCC) or autoimmune diseases.

2. Current use of omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

3. Presence of other types of cancer.

4. Pregnant or lactating women.

5. presence of severe comorbid condition.

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Adult participants aged 18 years and older will be recruited. The study will include two groups: 1) patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma confirmed by imaging or histology, and 2) age- and gender-matched healthy controls with no history of liver disease unrelated to HCC, pregnant women, or those currently taking omega fatty acid supplements will be excluded. All participants will provide informed consent prior to enrollment.