A rare primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumour with laparoscopic resection: a case report

Abstract

IntroductionPrimary hepatic neuroendocrine tumours (PHNETs) are a rare form of hepatic neoplasms, and it is difficult to differentiate them from common hepatic malignancies in routine imaging studies.Presentation of the caseWe describe the case of a 60-year-old Indian male patient with a tentative preoperative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the definitive post-operative diagnosis was made by Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment, which revealed a grade II neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of moderate differentiation. Surgical resection was performed through a minimally invasive approach with a favourable postoperative course and a short hospital stay. One-month Post-operative Octreotide scan showed no extrahepatic primary origin of the tumour.DiscussionPHNET is a rare entity, and multi modalities investigations, including imaging, serology, endoscopy series, and histopathology findings, aside from long-term follow-up to rule out another primary origin, are essential for the final diagnosis of PHNET. Surgical resection stands as the mainstay of treatment of PHNETs.ConclusionThe absence of primary liver diseases should expand our possible differential diagnosis. Laparoscopic surgical resection of PHNETs carries a favourable outcome.