Ultrastructural comparison of hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma

The ultrastructural characteristics of fetal liver, two hepatoblastomas and two hepatocellular carcinomas were compared. Tumor cells of hepatoblastoma disclosed monotonous nuclei, poorly-developed cytoplasmic membrane system, abundant free ribosomes and prominent glycogen granules. Thos of hepatocellular carcinoma revealed comparatively pleomorphic nuclei, well-developed cytoplasmic membrane system, a few free ribosomes and numerous glycogen granules. Fetal liver showed monotonous nuclei, well-developed RER abundant free ribosomes and prominent glycogen granules. Young mesenchymal cells with well-developed RER and continuous basal lamina surrounding the epithelial cells were detected in both cases of hepatoblastoma but not in those of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor cells of hepatoblastoma in a case showed intramitochondrial crystalloids and thick bundles of fibrils in the cytoplasm.