2323 Bone Metastasis as Index Presentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver, and the fifth most common cancer worldwide Extrahepatic mestastasis rarely occurs in patients with early course HCC. Bone metastasis as the initial presentation of HCC is even more rare. Here we present an unusual case of Bone metastasis to the ninth rib as the index presentation of HCC. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: The patient is a 60 year old male with a medical history of hypertension, hepatitis C virus, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who presented to the emergency department complaining of right upper quadrant pain for one week. Physical exam was notable for tenderness over the patients right ninth rib. The rest of the physical exam was unremarkable. Notable laboratory workup included a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel within normal limits. Notable imaging included a computed tomography of the abdomen showing a mass over the ninth rib with multiple foci in liver. The next day an alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level was ordered and returned elevated at 1139.0 ng/ml. Other tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19 9 (CA 19 9) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were within normal limits. Interventional radiology was then consulted and performed a biopsy of the ninth rib mass which showed metastatic carcinoma with a primary of hepatocellular malignancy. This diagnosis was supported by positive staining with Hep-Par 1. Following this diagnosis the oncology service was consulted and recommended palliative radiotherapy to the ninth rib and starting treatment with Sorafenib. The patient was then discharged with pain medications and follow up appointments. DISCUSSION: Common risk factors for the development of HCC include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Aflatoxin exposure, and cirrhosis of any cause (including alcohol). The most common sites of extra-hepatic metastasis of HCC are lung, lymph node, musculoskeletal, and adrenal gland. Isolated bone metastasis of HCC is rare occurring in only 9.5% of patients. Symptoms associated with HCC include right upper quadrant pain, jaundice and ascites in more advanced cases. Treatment of metastatic HCC to bone includes chemotherapy and targeted radiotherapy. More recently Bisphosphonates have also been shown to have success.