CASE REPORT: A hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis in the distal pancreas

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a highly malignant neoplasm. Extrahepatic metastases are found in 64% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The lungs, regional lymph nodes, kidney, bone marrow and adrenals are common sites of metastases. Pancreatic metastases are not common (<5%). A case report of a hepatocellular carcinoma with a metastasis in the distal pancreas is presented. A resection of the primary tumour and metastasis was carried out with the patient still alive 16 months after resection. This case illustrates that hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with a single local metastasis can be reasonably considered although a cure has not been established.