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Published on: September 12, 2019
Multiple ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas arising in the abdominal cavity.
Toru Miyake1, Seiichiro Hoshino, Yoichiro Yoshida
1Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Case Reports in Gastroenterology
|November 10, 2012
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of multiple ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) found in the abdominal cavity, not originating from the liver. These abdominal tumors were diagnosed as HCC, suggesting development from ectopic liver tissue.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an exceedingly rare condition defined by HCC originating outside the liver.
- This report focuses on a unique case of multiple ectopic HCCs within the abdominal cavity.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old male presented with elevated alpha-fetoprotein and PIVKA-II, alongside multiple abdominal lesions on imaging.
- Laparoscopy revealed disseminated brown nodular tumors on the peritoneum and mesentery with bloody ascites.
- Postoperative PET-CT confirmed no intrahepatic tumor, with resected peritoneal tumors diagnosed as HCC.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with multiple ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas in the abdominal cavity.
- Diagnostic imaging and surgical findings excluded a primary intrahepatic tumor.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the resected peritoneal and mesenteric tumors as HCC.
Implications:
- This case suggests HCC can arise from ectopic liver tissue within the peritoneum or mesentery.
- Highlights the importance of considering extrahepatic origins for HCC, especially in atypical presentations.
- Contributes to the understanding of rare oncological presentations and differential diagnoses in abdominal malignancies.
