Not a neuroendocrine tumor: A case of hepatocellular carcinoma in ectopic liver tissue in the pancreas

Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg. 2023 Feb 28;27(1):102-106. doi: 10.14701/ahbps.22-024. Epub 2022 Aug 25.

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for most of the hepatic neoplasms and can also occur in ectopic liver tissue. We present a case of a 55-year-old male complaining of weight loss. The imaging studies reported a 2.9 cm nodule in the pancreatic body, with a neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis by cytology. A corpo-caudal pancreatectomy was performed. Pathology showed a well-differentiated HCC developed in ectopic liver tissue with free margins and no lymph node metastases. HCC presenting in ectopic liver tissue is rare. In this case, the preoperative study did not establish the diagnosis, warranting the need for suspicion of this neoplasm.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Ectopic tissue; Hepatocellular carcinoma; Pancreatic neoplasms; Surgical oncology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

FUNDING None.