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AIM:To clarify the effect of a high des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) level on the invasiveness and prognosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma.METHODS:Among 142 consecutive patients with known DCP levels,who underwent hepatectomy because of hepatocellular carcinoma,85 patients met the criteria for small hepatocellular carcinoma,i.e.one≤5 cm sized single tumor or no more than three≤3 cm sized tumors.RESULTS:The overall survival rate of the 142 patients was 92.1% for 1 year,69.6% for 3 years,and 56.9% for 5 years.Multivariate analysis showed that microscopic vascular invasion (P = 0.03) and serum DCP≥400mAU/mL (P = 0.02) were independent prognostic factors.In the group of patients who met the criteria for small hepatocellular carcinoma,DCP≥400 mAU/mL was found to be an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free (P = 0.02) and overall survival (P = 0.0005).In patients who did not meet the criteria,the presence of vascular invasion was an independent factor for recurrence-free (P = 0.02) and overall survivals (P = 0.01).In 75% of patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma and high DCP levels,recurrence occurred extrahepatically.CONCLUSION:For small hepatocellular carcinoma,a high preoperative DCP level appears indicative for tumor recurrence.Because many patients with a high preoperative DCP level develop extrahepatic recurrence,it is necessary to screen the whole body.