ObjectiveTo study the mechanisms of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma and the treatments in the acute phase and the second phase after hemostasis. MethodsRelated domestic and foreign literatures were reviewed. ResultsThe mechanism of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma was still not quite clear. In China, spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma was closely related with hepatitis B virus infection. Immune complex deposition in vessel wall led to the injuries of small arteries and bleeding. Treatments included conservative therapy, surgical intervention （lobectomy of liver, hepatic artery ligation, packing, and suturing), transarteial embolization, other medications (percutaneous ethanol injection, radiofrequency ablation, bio-immunotherapy). ConclusionTransarterial embolization has been shown to be highly effective in achieving immediate hemostasis, and can be used as the basis of phase two comprehensive treatment.