Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma arising from the peritoneum

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Medicine
• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC) is an exceptionally rare malignancy.
• Most eHCC cases are asymptomatic, often discovered incidentally during autopsies or exploratory surgeries.
• While often silent, eHCC can present with significant clinical issues, including abdominal pain and intra-abdominal hemorrhage.

Observation:

• This report details a clinical case of a 68-year-old female diagnosed with ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma originating from the peritoneum.
• The patient's diagnosis was prompted by the incidental finding of mild, asymptomatic hypertransaminasemia during routine medical evaluation.
• Further investigations were conducted to understand the etiology and characteristics of this rare presentation.

Findings:

• The ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma in this patient demonstrated peritoneal origin, a highly unusual location for this cancer.
• Diagnostic workup confirmed the diagnosis, revealing the tumor's presence outside the typical liver parenchyma.
• The case underscores the importance of investigating asymptomatic liver enzyme elevations, even in the absence of overt symptoms.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of hepatocellular carcinoma's potential locations and presentation.
• It emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing rare ectopic malignancies, even when asymptomatic.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and management of peritoneal eHCC is warranted to improve patient outcomes.