Direct invasion to the colon by hepatocellular carcinoma: Report of two cases

Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common tumor, direct invasion of the gastrointestinal tract by HCC is uncommon. Recently, we encountered two cases of HCC with direct invasion to the colon. The first patient was a 79-year-old man who underwent transarterial chemo-embolization (TACE) for HCC 1.5 years prior to admission to our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 7.5-cm liver tumor directly invading the transverse colon. Partial resection of the liver and transverse colon was performed. The patient survived 6 mo after surgery, but died of recurrent HCC. The second patient was a 69-year-old man who underwent TACE and ablation for HCC 2 years and 7 months prior to being admitted to our hospital for melena and abdominal distension. CT revealed a 6-cm liver tumor with direct invasion to the colon. The patient underwent partial resection of the liver and right hemicolectomy. The patient recovered from the surgery. But, unfortunately, he died of liver failure due to liver cirrhosis one month later. Although the prognosis of HCC that has invaded the colon is generally poor due to the advanced stage of the disease, surgical resection may be a favorable treatment option in patients with a good general condition. (C) 2008 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.