Combined primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma: case report and literature review

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can grow in a mosaic pattern, often combined with various non-hepatocellular cells. However, HCC neuroendocrine (NEC) component is rarely reported, and its clinical features, origin, diagnosis, behavior have not been established. In the literature, mixed HCC–NEC tumors are categorized as either collision type or type, depending on their microscopic features. Here, we report patient combined-type tumor. Case presentation An asymptomatic 84-year-old woman was found to solid mass right lobe of liver. Laboratory radiologic examinations showed typical findings HCC, including arterial-phase enhancement, portal- delay-phase washout. She treated by partial laparoscopic hepatectomy segment 5. Pathological examination that tumor predominantly partly admixed an NEC component. A transitional zone between tissues also observed. The finally diagnosed primary NEC–HCC After preoperative underwent somatostatin receptor scintigraphy detect lesion, but no accumulation any other part her body. has free recurrence for 9 months since surgery. Conclusion Mixed extremely rare, correct diagnosis requires multidisciplinary collaboration. further cases needed help understand exact pathology, treatment this disease.