Initial presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma as pharyngeal mass mimicking advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with frequent intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. Extrahepatic metastasis occurs in one-third of patients with HCC and indicates a dismal prognosis. The head and neck region is an extremely uncommon site of metastatic HCC. Extrahepatic...

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Veröffentlicht in:Journal of cancer research and therapeutics 2024-01, Vol.20 (1), p.438-440
Hauptverfasser: Sukumaran, Renu, Kattoor, Jayasree, Valsalamony, Jiji, Varghese, Bipin T
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Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with frequent intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. Extrahepatic metastasis occurs in one-third of patients with HCC and indicates a dismal prognosis. The head and neck region is an extremely uncommon site of metastatic HCC. Extrahepatic metastasis at first presentation, although uncommon, indicates advanced disease with a poor prognosis. Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old male patient with a neck mass. Clinical examination and initial radiology were suggestive of an advanced primary pharyngeal malignancy. Biopsy showed neoplasm with large polygonal cells with clear/granular cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells showed positivity for Hep Par1, CD10, and CEA. A diagnosis of metastatic HCC was given. Subsequently, serum alpha-fetoprotein level was found to be markedly elevated and further imaging showed multiple mass lesions in the liver. It is necessary to recognize that the pharyngeal region is a potential site of HCC metastasis. Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification can help in avoiding unnecessary costs and delay in treatment.
ISSN:0973-1482
1998-4138
DOI:10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1655_22