Extrahepatic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma: a pictorial review

Eur Radiol. 2003 Apr;13(4):874-82. doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1519-7. Epub 2002 Jun 18.

Abstract

Although extrahepatic spread of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncommon, it can be found anywhere in the body. Most extrahepatic metastases of HCC occur in patients with advanced-stage intrahepatic tumor, but incidental extrahepatic lesions have also occasionally been found in patients with early-stage intrahepatic HCC. The detection of extrahepatic metastatic disease is crucial when planning therapy for patients with HCC and should be used to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. In this study we illustrate the radiologic findings of extrahepatic metastases of HCC involving various sites. The presumed mechanism of extrahepatic extension of HCC is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / secondary*
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / secondary
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / secondary
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urogenital Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Urogenital Neoplasms / secondary
  • Vascular Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Neoplasms / secondary