Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma presenting with radiological characteristics of focal nodular hyperplasia

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Aug 21;15(31):3940-3. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.3940.

Abstract

Combined hepatocellular and cholangiocellular carcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a rare tumor type containing unequivocal elements of both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma that are intimately mixed. Although these tumors are usually considered to be more related to hepatocellular carcinoma than to cholangiocarcinoma, they sometimes, in contrast to hepatocellular carcinoma, contain a significant amount of fibrous stroma. This might in some cases explain atypical radiological features. We report a case of a cHCC-CC in a 47-year-old female that resembled focal nodular hyperplasia on Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Correlation of imaging and serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein and CA19.9 can help to make the correct diagnosis preoperatively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / diagnosis
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholangiocarcinoma* / pathology
  • Female
  • Focal Nodular Hyperplasia* / diagnostic imaging
  • Focal Nodular Hyperplasia* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor