A case of hepatocellular carcinoma invading the gallbladder misdiagnosed as a primary gallbladder carcinoma

doi:2009.15.1.80

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 15(1); 2009 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2009;15(1): 80-84.
doi: https://doi.org/10.3350/kjhep.2009.15.1.80

A case of hepatocellular carcinoma invading the gallbladder misdiagnosed as a primary gallbladder carcinoma

Han Seung Ryu, M.D., Eui Tae Hwang, M.D., Chang Soo Choi, M.D., Tae Hyeon Kim, M.D., Haak Cheoul Kim, M.D., Ki Jung Yun, M.D.1, Dong Eun Park, M.D.2

Department of Internal Medicine, 1Pathology, and 2Surgery, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Iksan, Korea

ABSTRACT

Extrahepatic metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is occasionally seen in the lung, bone, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes. It is well known that HCC sometimes invades the biliary system. Since there is no peritoneum between the gallbladder and the liver fossa, a gallbladder cancer easily invades the liver; however, HCC seldom invades the gallbladder because it rarely destroys the muscle layer or the collagen fibers of the gallbladder wall. Routes of gallbladder metastasis of HCC include direct invasion, extension to the biliary system, and invasion of the adjacent hepatic vascular system. Some cases of gallbladder metastasis of HCC without direct invasion have been reported. We report here a case of HCC that directly invaded the gallbladder, and that resembled gallbladder carcinoma invading the liver. (Korean J Hepatol 2008;15:80-84)

KeyWords: Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Metastasis; Gallbladder Neoplasms