ObjectiveTo introduce the general situation about oval cells and the advance in research on relation between the hepatic oval cells and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodRelevant literatures in recent years about oval cells in hepatocellular carcinoma were collected and analyzed. ResultsHepatic oval cells are progenies of the hepatic stem cells that are thought to reside in the terminal branches of the biliary tree, termed the canals of Hering.After severe liver injury resulting in hepatocyte and cholangiocyte necrosis/apoptosis, the dual-potential oval cells will proliferate and differentiate into hepatocytes or cholangiocytes to replace the respective lost cell types.Recent studies have found many new oval cell surface markers, and promoted the recognition of oval cells.The level of oval cells proliferation is positively correlated with the malignant and inflammatory level of chronic liver diseases.More importantly, oval cells is involved in the occurrence, development, recurrence, and metastasis of liver cancer, and closely related to the prognosis of HCC. ConclusionAn improved understanding of the biological behavior of hepatic oval cells may lead to the development of novel diagnosis, treatment regimens, and prevention for hepatocellular carcinoma.