Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver: an unexpected pathological finding

Fabio Tuminello,Giuseppe Broggi,Giada Maria Vecchio,Antonio Pesce,Antonio Basile,Davide Castiglione,Stefano Puleo

doi:10.1186/s43066-020-00032-0

Abstract

BackgroundPrimary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver is a very rare cancer requiring a complete diagnostic investigation, as it presents some differences from other primary hepatic malignancies. We describe the case of an elderly patient with primitive squamous cell carcinoma of the liver treated by percutaneous microwave ablation and transarterial chemoembolization.Case presentationAlthough the pathogenesis remains uncertain, a possible transformation of the biliary epithelium caused by chronic inflammation or metaplasia and subsequent malignant transformation of preexisting benign hepatic cysts has been suggested. A critical review of the existing literature was performed by focusing on the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and the suggested therapeutic strategies.ConclusionA multidisciplinary approach is needed to face rare hepatic malignancies where there are no clear guidelines.

Highlights

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver is a very rare cancer requiring a complete diagnostic investigation, as it presents some differences from other primary hepatic malignancies
The pathogenesis remains uncertain, a possible transformation of the biliary epithelium caused by chronic inflammation or metaplasia and subsequent malignant transformation of preexisting benign hepatic cysts has been suggested [4,5,6]
Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the liver is a very rare cancer requiring a complete diagnostic investigation, as it presents some differences from other primary hepatic malignancies [7,8,9]

Summary

Background

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the liver is a very uncommon finding in everyday clinical practice. Because of its rare prevalence, the histopathological analysis is imperative and it is often a diagnosis of exclusion, after having carefully examined the patient, looking for other possible primary lesions and ruling out the possibility for secondary SCC The prognosis of this rare tumor of the liver is extremely poor and only few patients survive more than 12 months even after surgical resection. We reported a case of an elderly patient with primitive squamous cell carcinoma of the liver treated by percutaneous microwave ablation and transarterial embolization. Abdominal computed tomographic scan (CT-scan) showed a large hypodense liver mass in the right lobe (15 cm × 12 cm in size) on both arterial and portal phases involving the IV-V-VI-VII-VIII segments (Fig. 1a,b) which presented colliquative areas of necrosis within the lesion.

Discussion

Findings

Conclusion

Funding No funding