Fine-needle aspiration of hepatocellular carcinoma: False-negative result due to epithelioid cells

Diagn Cytopathol. 2001 Jun;24(6):396-8. doi: 10.1002/dc.1087.

Abstract

The presence of epithelioid cells in fine-needle aspirations of a liver nodule is rare, but may complicate the diagnosis of the nodule. We report on a case of a liver nodule in hepatitis C cirrhosis. Results of fine-needle aspiration mainly revealed the presence of epithelioid cells, without any recognizable tumor cells. Histological examination of the nodule after surgical resection showed a hepatocellular carcinoma with numerous epithelioid and gigantocellular granulomas, without necrosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / complications
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology*
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Granuloma / complications
  • Granuloma / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged