Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with the highest incidence in regions with high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis infection, especially hepatitis B infection. HCC commonly metastasises to lungs, lymph nodes, adrenal gland and bones, including the skull. The overall prognosis of patients with metastatic HCC is poor. Randomised clinical trials are needed, which evaluate new treatment strategies and stratify patients on the basis of recent staging criteria and known prognostic indicators. This review presents a case report that illustrates the distinctive pathological features of metastatic HCC, along with a brief review of pathological features, staging, treatment and prognosis. (C) 2003 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.