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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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A "Patient-Like" Orthotopic Syngeneic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis
Published on: October 24, 2015
Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as orbital bone metastasis
John Pitts1, Cheng-Hsien Chang, Ioannis Mavrikakis
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|November 27, 2008
Summary
This study describes the first cases of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis to the sphenoid bone. Advanced imaging and biopsy confirmed metastatic cancer in two patients, highlighting a rare spread pattern.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Hepatobiliary Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer.
- Metastasis of HCC typically occurs in the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes.
- Spread to the skull base is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with skull base lesions.
- Imaging revealed destructive lesions in the greater wing of the sphenoid.
- Lesions extended into cranial fossae and the orbit.
Findings:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) demonstrated characteristic lesion appearances.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy confirmed metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in both cases.
- This represents the first documented instance of HCC metastasis to the sphenoid wing.
Implications:
- Highlights an unusual metastatic pathway for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering rare metastatic sites in HCC patients with neurological or cranial symptoms.
- May inform diagnostic workup and treatment strategies for advanced HCC.
