Hepatoma presenting as a single cavitary lung mass

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer.
• Lung metastases from HCC are uncommon.
• Cavitary lung lesions are typically associated with infections or primary lung cancers.

Observation:

• A patient underwent lobectomy for a large cavitary lung mass.
• The patient died one month post-surgery.
• Autopsy and pathologic review confirmed the lung lesion was metastatic hepatoma.

Findings:

• The lung lesion was identified as metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.
• This represents the first reported case of HCC presenting as a single cavitary lung mass.
• Excavating solitary metastases are rare, particularly from primary adenocarcinomas.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of HCC metastatic patterns.
• Highlights the importance of considering uncommon metastatic presentations in lung masses.
• Suggests a need for thorough oncologic workup in unexplained cavitary lung lesions.