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Primary combined hepatocellular-cholangiocellular sarcoma: An unusual case
Shuai Xiang1, Yi-Fa Chen1, Yan Guan1
1Shuai Xiang, Yi-Fa Chen, Yan Guan, Xiao-Ping Chen, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|June 26, 2015
Summary
This study reports a rare liver carcinosarcoma case with combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma. The tumor contained both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements, suggesting a possible liver progenitor cell origin.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary liver carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare malignancy.
- Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) is a distinct subtype of liver cancer.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with a right liver lobe mass incidentally detected via ultrasound and CT scan.
- The mass was surgically resected, revealing a carcinosarcoma with both epithelial and mesenchymal components.
Findings:
- The carcinomatous component showed features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
- The sarcomatous component included spindle cells, bizarre cells, and foci of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma.
- Immunohistochemistry revealed co-expression of hepatocyte (CK 8/18) and cholangiocyte (CK19) markers in HCC cells, vimentin in sarcoma cells, and epithelial membrane antigen in both.
- CD117-positive ductular reactions and undifferentiated cells were noted.
Implications:
- The findings support a potential liver progenitor cell origin for this rare liver carcinosarcoma.
- This case expands the understanding of rare liver tumor heterogeneity and differentiation pathways.
