Differential diagnosis of epithelioid and clear cell tumors in the liver

Semin Diagn Pathol. 2017 Mar;34(2):183-191. doi: 10.1053/j.semdp.2016.12.014. Epub 2016 Dec 23.

Abstract

A tumor composed of large eosinophilic cells in the liver raises concern for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is typically composed of such cells. However, there are other tumors, both primary and metastatic, that may be composed predominantly of large epithelioid cells. Distinction of these tumors from hepatocellular carcinoma and from each other is of obvious importance for patient management. Similarly, a clear cell tumor anywhere in the body triggers suspicion for renal cell carcinoma. However, other tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma can rarely be composed entirely of cell cells and the distinction of these from one another, and of primary from metastatic disease is vital. As with the latter, accurate diagnosis is essential for patient management. Using illustrative examples, this article discusses differential diagnosis of liver tumors comprised predominantly of epithelioid cells or clear cells.

Keywords: Angiomyolipoma; Clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma; Clear cell tumors; Epitheliod tumors; Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / pathology
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / secondary
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Angiomyolipoma / diagnosis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid / diagnosis*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor