Aspiration cytology of liver abscess uncovering metastatic rectal mucosal melanoma—A case report

Aspirates of liver abscess are frequently encountered in routine practice and are often of a low index of suspicion. However, necrotic liver metastasis clinically and radiologically mimics liver abscesses, and malignant cells can be obscured in an inflammation‐rich background on cytology. It is important to recognise malignant neoplasms in this scenario, in particular uncommon conditions such as metastatic mucosal melanoma. Atypical cells among a background with rich inflammatory cells and necrotic material. Although the clinical impression was that of a liver abscess, liver biopsy and review of medical history revealed a diagnosis of metastatic rectal mucosal melanoma, illustrating the importance of considering malignancy despite low clinical suspicion. Necrotic liver metastasis clinically and radiologically mimics liver abscesses. It is important to be aware of possible malignant cells obscured in an inflammation‐rich background on cytology.