Oral Cavity Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent liver neoplasm, results in metastasis in around 50% of the cases; however, oral metastasis is rare. We report the case of a 66-year-old man with a painful lesion on the right buccal mucosa and lower alveolar ridge since 3 weeks prior. He had a history of liver cancer, diagnosed 2 months ago. Oral examination revealed a painful nodule on the buccal mucosa. Facial computed tomography demonstrated a mass causing destruction in the right mandible and maxillary sinus. Oral biopsy showed a well-differentiated epithelial neoplasm and atypical cells similar to hepatocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity for CD10, CD34, and polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen, with a canalicular pattern. The final diagnosis was metastasis of the hepatocellular carcinoma. He was referred to the oncology clinic and administered palliative radiotherapy for neoplasm size reduction. This case highlights that although rare, metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma can occur in the oral cavity.