Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, responsible for approximately 85–90 % of all cases [1]. The disease burden is especially pronounced in China, with morbidity and mortality ranking fourth and second among malignancies, respectively [2]. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the predominant risk factor for HCC, with nearly half of the cases worldwide attributed to chronic hepatitis B [3]. Although non-alcoholic steatosis is becoming an increasing risk fac…