Laparoscopic Observation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with an Unusual Growth Pattern —Four Case Reports—

Abstract

Abstract: Usually a laparoscopy is performed for many cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but HCC with an unusual growth pattern is not encountered frequently. In this study we report on four cases of HCC which show an unusual growth pattern, who were found out of 96 cases of HCC examined by laparoscopy at our clinic. The first case of HCC considered occurred in a 72–year–old male with intraperitoneal dissemination; the second case, was discovered in a 71–year–old female, and had extrahepatic growth; the third case, in a 56–year–old male, ruptured spontaneously and produced an encapsulated hematoma; the fourth case, present in a 64–year–old male, also ruptured spontaneously. The clinico–pathological and laparoscopic features of HCC with an unusual growth pattern are discussed, placing emphasis on the value of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of HCC with an unusual growth pattern.