Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNET) are rare liver neoplasms.
• PHNETs present with non-specific clinical and imaging findings, complicating diagnosis.
• These tumors can be mistaken for other hepatic lesions, including hepatocellular carcinoma and parasitic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a challenging case of PHNET mimicking a liver helminth infection.
• To highlight the diagnostic difficulties associated with PHNET.
• To emphasize the importance of a multi-modal diagnostic approach for PHNET.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 57-year-old male patient with PHNET.
• Diagnostic evaluation included imaging, histopathology, and long-term follow-up.
• Review of literature on PHNET diagnosis and differentiation.

Main Results:

• The patient's PHNET initially mimicked a liver helminth infection.
• Diagnostic differentiation was challenging due to atypical presentation.
• Final diagnosis was established through a combination of imaging, histopathology, and follow-up.

Conclusions:

• PHNET diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific symptoms and imaging characteristics.
• A comprehensive diagnostic strategy involving imaging, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry is crucial.
• Distinguishing PHNET from other liver masses requires careful evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach.