Objective: To analyze the pathological features of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) carrying different hepatitis virus antigens histopathologically and systematically.
Methods: PAP and ABC kits were used in the immunohistochemical study, and CAS-200 System was applied in the image cytometry.
Results: As compared with HCCs carrying HBV marker(s), the HCCs carrying HCV marker showed more cases of clear cell type (7/9 vs 4/33), better differentiation of cancers, less necrosis of hepatocytes, milder lymphocyte infiltration in the hepatic sinuses or periportal areas (P < 0.01), higher incidence of bile ductule damages, and bore a close relation to the formation of lymphoid follicle in the surrounding tissues (P < 0.05). These patients were elder, with lower grade of symptoms and better prognosis after operation.
Conclusion: HCCs carrying only HCAg have different pathological features and clinical characteristics from which carrying HBV marker(s). The results of image cytometry are in accordance with the biological behaviour of HCC.