Case Report Open Access
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2020. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 14, 2020; 26(18): 2268-2275
Published online May 14, 2020. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i18.2268
Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma mimicking a retroperitoneal tumor: A case report
Yuki Adachi, Hiromitsu Hayashi, Toshihiko Yusa, Toru Takematsu, Kazuki Matsumura, Takaaki Higashi, Kensuke Yamamura, Takanobu Yamao, Katsunori Imai, Yo−ichi Yamashita, Hideo Baba, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8608556, Japan
ORCID number: Yuki Adachi (0000-0003-1915-0407); Hiromitsu Hayashi (0000-0002-1832-4287); Toshihiko Yusa (0000-0002-0970-8262); Toru Takematsu (0000-0003-4167-061X); Kazuki Matsumura (0000-0002-6204-9147); Takaaki Higashi (0000-0002-1034-8671); Kensuke Yamamura (0000-0003-0506-6394); Takanobu Yamao (0000-0003-3125-9165); Katsunori Imai (0000-0003-0549-1825); Yo-Ichi Yamashita (0000-0001-8439-6660); Hideo Baba (0000-0002-3474-2550).
Author contributions: Adachi Y and Hayashi H made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; Yusa T, Yamao T, Higashi T, Matsumura K, Yamamura K, and Imai K drafted the article and/or made critical revisions related to important intellectual content of the manuscript; all authors approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.
Informed consent statement: The patient described in this case report provided informed consent for inclusion of her medical history and course to be published.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Hiromitsu Hayashi, FACS, MD, PhD, Surgeon, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 8608556, Japan. hhayasi@kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Received: February 18, 2020
Peer-review started: February 18, 2020
First decision: April 8, 2020
Revised: April 22, 2020
Accepted: May 1, 2020
Article in press: May 1, 2020
Published online: May 14, 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND

An ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (EHCC) arises from the ectopic liver which is defined as a hepatic organ or tissue not connected to surrounding tissues. EHCC is a rare disease and it is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Furthermore, the clinical features are not fully elucidated.

CASE SUMMARY

A retroperitoneal tumor (6 cm) was located at the dorsal side of the pancreas head on abdominal ultrasonography in an 81-year old woman positive for hepatitis C virus antibody. Contrast enhanced-computed tomography and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed viable HCC patterns with early enhancement and delayed washout. The tumor markers — serum alpha-fetoprotein and alpha-fetoprotein-L3% — were increased to 30.1 ng/mL and 83.1%, respectively. Protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II was within normal levels (17 mAU/mL). Positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed strong accumulation into the tumor (Standardized Uptake Value max: 13.8), and the tumor cytology following endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration showed poorly differentiated carcinoma. Tumor extirpation was performed, and operative findings showed that the retroperitoneal tumor was disconnected from the pancreas and the liver. Swollen lymph nodes near the tumor were histologically normal. On histological examination, the tumor was finally diagnosed as EHCC with Arginase-1 positive expression.

CONCLUSION

We report our experience of a rare EHCC which was difficult to diagnose, and we present a review of the literature.

Key Words: Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma, Differential diagnosis, Retroperitoneal tumor, Case report

Core tip: Ectopic liver tissue is often found on the gallbladder wall. The current case is the first ever reported case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (EHCC) on the dorsal side of the pancreatic head. It is usually difficult to confirm the diagnosis of EHCC preoperatively because of the location of the mass and the rarity of this condition. In this case, we also could not make a definitive diagnosis preoperatively, but the macroscopic findings of the tumor, the immunohistological examination, and the decrease in tumor marker levels after surgery were very useful signs for the definitive diagnosis of EHCC.



INTRODUCTION

An ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma (EHCC) is defined as an HCC arising from hepatic parenchyma located in an extrahepatic organ or tissue[1]. It can occur in various sites near the liver; for example, gallbladder, hepatic ligaments, omentum, retroperitoneum, and thorax[2].

The incidence of ectopic liver has been reported to be between 0.24% and 0.47% at laparoscopy or autopsy[3-5]. Thus, EHCC is a very rare disease and it is difficult to diagnosis preoperatively, which leads to a clinical issue. The clinical features of EHCC are still not fully elucidated. Here, we report a case of EHCC mimicking a retroperitoneal tumor, and a review the literature concerning EHCC.

CASE PRESENTATION
Chief complaints

The case was an 81-year-old woman positive for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (HCV-RNA was not detectable), and she had no remarkable chief complaints.

History of present illness

She was followed up regularly by a nearby outpatient clinic as she was an asymptomatic hepatitis C virus carrier, and the abdominal ultrasonography at that clinic revealed the tumor. She was referred to our department for further examination and treatment.

History of past illness

She was positive for HCV antibodies, but HCV-RNA was not detectable. She had previously undergone laparoscopic cho-lecystectomy for cholelithiasis and thyroidectomy at another hospital (details unknown).

Physical examinations

The abdomen was soft and flat. She has a past history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Any other digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain or weight loss were not observed (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group: 0).

Imaging examinations and laboratory examinations

The abdominal ultrasonography revealed the retroperitoneal tumor (6 cm in size) located at the dorsal side of the pancreas head. On the laboratory tests, serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and AFP-L3% were 30.1 ng/mL and 83.1%, respectively. The protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) level was 17 mAU/mL, carcinoembryonic antigen level was 3.5 ng/mL, and CA19-9 level was 9.6 U/mL. The contrast enhanced-computed tomography scan showed that the retroperitoneal tumor had enhancement in the arterial phase and was washed out in the venous phase (Figure 1A). Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging displayed enhancement in the arterial phase and a defect in the hepatobiliary phase (Figure 1B). The positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed strong accumulation into the tumor (Standardized Uptake Value max: 13.8) (Figure 1C).

Figure 1
Figure 1 Imaging findings. A: Contrast-enhanced axial computed tomography (CT) scan in arterial phase and venous phase; B: Gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scan in arterial phase and hepatobiliary phase showing a round and smoothly mass which located from the hepatic portal region of the liver to the dorsal of the pancreatic head (orange circle); C: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed that the mass uptakes strongly (Standardized Uptake Value max: 13.8).
TREATMENT

Cytology by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma with unknown origin (Figure 2 and Table 1). We performed tumor extirpation and sampled the surrounding lymph nodes. Intraoperative findings showed that the tumor was disconnected to the liver and the head of pancreas (Figure 3). The resected gross specimen was 7.5 cm × 6.5 cm × 3.5 cm in size and encapsulated in membrane, and the cut surface was reddish-yellow with intratumoral hemorrhage (Figure 4). On microscopic examination, the tumor was composed of polygonal cells and had hyperchromatic nuclei with prominent nucleoli and granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. Very little pancreatic tissue was seen on the surface, so it was assumed that the tumor had not invaded the pancreas. The morphological histologic diagnosis was poorly differentiated carcinoma (Figure 5). On immunohistochemical staining of the tumor, Hep Per-1 and Glypican 3 were negative, but Arginase-1 (Arg-1) was focally positive. Moreover, AE1/AE3 was partly positive, CAM 5.2 was positive, synaptophysin was negative, S100 was negative, p53 was negative, and β-catenin was positive (Figure 6 and Table 2). On post-operative laboratory tests, the levels of AFP and AFP-L3% had decreased to 1.7 ng/mL and 27.3%, respectively.

Table 1 Details of immunohistochemical staining of the tumor biopsy by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration.
VariablesResults
Hep Per-1Negative
Arginase-1Negative
Glypican 3Negative
AE1/AE3Focal positive
CK5/6Negative/negative
CK7/20Negative/negative
VimentinNegative
SynaptophysinNegative
S100Negative
Table 2 Details of immunohistochemical staining of the resected tumor specimen.
VariablesResults
Hep Per-1Negative
Arginase-1Focal positive
Glypican 3Negative
AFPNegative
AE1/AE3Partly positive
CAM 5.2Positive
SynaptophysinNegative
S100Negative
p53Negative
β-cateninPositive
Figure 2
Figure 2 The microscopic examination of the tumor by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration. Hematoxylin and eosin stain, magnification × 200 (left) and × 400 (right). Microscopic examination of the tumor confirmed poorly differentiated carcinoma.
Figure 3
Figure 3 The tumor is located at between the hepatic portal region and the dorsal of the pancreatic head and has no connection to the surrounding organ.
Figure 4
Figure 4 Macroscopic features of the excised hepatocellular carcinoma demonstrating a solid multinodular tumor with a fibrous capsule and intratumoral hemorrhage.
Figure 5
Figure 5 The microscopic examination of the tumor. Microscopic examination of the tumor confirmed poorly differentiated carcinoma morphologically similar to the tumor biopsy by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration Hematoxylin and eosin stain, magnification × 100 (left) and × 400 (right).
Figure 6
Figure 6 Immunohistochemical findings. Tumor cells are negative for Hep Per-1, Glypican 3 and p53, but focal positive for Arginase-1. Moreover, CAM 5.2, AE1/AE3, and β-catenin are positive (Magnification × 400).
FINAL DIAGNOSIS

Finally, we diagnosed the tumor as EHCC.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

Currently, eight months have passed, but she is still alive without recurrence.

DISCUSSION

We searched ''ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma'' in PubMed, and 24 case reports were available in full text (Supplementary Table 1)[1,2,4-25]. Preoperative examination revealed no tumor in the mother liver in any patients[1,2,4-25]. There were two cirrhotic cases (one case was viral hepatitis and one case was unknown)[11,25]. Of the 24 cases, 18 underwent surgery[1,2,4,6,8,9,11,15-25] and two received adjuvant therapy[1,19]. There were six cases of recurrence (four cases in the mother liver and two cases in the abdominal cavity)[1,9,16,22,23,25]. Preoperative serum AFPs were often relatively elevated. In addition, AFP L3% was measured in only three cases, but a significant increase was observed in all three cases[11,17,22]. Seven cases had a hepatitis B virus infection[1,6,7,9,13,16,23] and only one case had a hepatitis C virus infection[5]. Immunohistochemical staining showed 17 cases of Hep Per-1 staining, one of which was negative[2,4-8,10-12,14-18,21-23]. There were 14 cases of AFP staining, three of which were negative[1,6,8,10,11,13,15-19,21,22,25]. EHCC is associated with a relatively long-term survival after resection, so surgical treatment should be considered initially if the tumor can be resected. Recurrence often occurs in the mother liver, and it is necessary to follow-up regularly and perform imaging testing after surgery, similar to the follow-up after surgery for HCC.

EHCC is one of the rare carcinomas defined as an HCC arising from ectopic liver tissue, and it is usually discovered incidentally at autopsy or during laparoscopy[3]. Ectopic liver tissue was recognized within the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, adrenal gland, portal vein hepatic ligament, diaphragm, thorax, retroperitoneum, and omentum. The reported incidence of an ectopic or accessory liver is approximately 0.56% and the gallbladder is the most common location[6,7].

Liver development starts in the middle of the third week of embryonic life. The hepatic diverticulum (liver bud) is formed from the foregut and becomes a hepatocellular cord. Subsequently, a bile duct, a gallbladder, and a gallbladder duct develop from a connection part between the hepatic diverticulum and the foregut. The pancreas is composed of two types of buds: A ventral pancreatic bud that develops from the bile duct and a dorsal pancreatic bud that arises from the foregut. The liver parenchyma differentiates from the hepatocellular cord. The expression of the ability of the foregut to differentiate into liver tissue is blocked by the ectoderm and mesoderm of the heart. However, the function of these inhibitory factors is blocked in the area where the liver would sprout in the future by fibroblast growth factor 2 secreted from the mesoderm of the heart and adjacent angiogenic endothelial cells. Ectopic liver tissue on the gallbladder wall and around the pancreas comprises liver parenchyma due to the influence of fibroblast growth factor 2 when the bile duct and dorsal pancreatic bud are formed from the foregut and when the ventral pancreatic bud is formed from the bile duct.

In previous reports, four out of 24 cases were found in the pancreas, but only one of them was present in the head of the pancreas, and this case was found on the ventral side of the pancreas head[6,10,18,21]. The current report represents the first case that was found on the dorsal side of the pancreatic head. Because it was located on the dorsal side of the pancreas and close to the caudate lobe, it was difficult to diagnose ectopic HCC before surgery. The initial differential diagnosis was malignant lymphoma or pancreatic head mass. It was believed to be an HCC that developed in the caudate lobe. In our literature review, the median overall survival of 24 cases is 18 mo[1,2,4-25]. There are 6 cases with recurrence after tumor resection, whose median overall survival and recurrence-free survival were 18.5 (range 6-48) and 7.5 (range 2-30) mo, respectively[1,9,16,22,23,25]. Among 18 patients who underwent surgery, one cases received postoperative adjuvant therapy[19]. In the case, the adjuvant chemotherapy using cisplatin + etoposide + bleomycin was performed for the EHCC over the left subphrenic space, and the case is without recurrence during 8 mo after surgery[19]. In six cases who did not undergo surgery, three cases received chemotherapy (sorafenib, cisplatin+etoposide+bleomycin, or unknown regimen), two cases underwent just a biopsy and one case inserted a biliary stent as a palliative care[5,7,10,12-14]. The survival outcomes in the two cases with multiple EHCCs in the spleen treated by cisplatin + etoposide + bleomycin and with multiple EHCCs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities treated by sorafenib, are 34 and 13 mo, respectively[7,14]. Although tumor resection had been performed in the majority of EHCC (18 of 24 cases, 75%), the clinical benefit of tumor resection for EHCC is still unclear from our literature review. Further accumulation of EHCC cases need to elucidate the epidemiologic aspects of EHCC.

Some reports have noted that EHCC is observed in about 7%–30% of cases of ectopic liver[2,9]. Carcinogenesis is a multistep process that appears to be accelerated within these tissues. It is theorized that due to the lack of a normal vascular and ductal system, the foci of ectopic liver tissue may be metabolically handicapped, leading to longer exposure to various carcinogenic factors[6,7,10]. The underlying microenvironment would cause persistent cellular stress, which may result in cell death and compensatory cell proliferation. An increased cell turnover may lead to genetic mutations and subsequent development of carcinoma[11]. The reason is that both morphological features are similar, and if the carcinoma cell is poorly differentiated or undifferentiated, it will be extremely difficult to distinguish HCC from adenocarcinoma cells morphologically. The effectiveness of Arg-1 against poorly differentiated HCC. In particular, Arg-1 is the most sensitive and specific marker (greater than 90%) of hepatocellular differentiation and should be the first-line marker of HCC vs other tumors[12,13].

CONCLUSION

The preoperative diagnosis of EHCC is often very difficult. Specific tumor markers can be useful to diagnose EHCC preoperatively if there is any possibility of another tumor from radiological findings. Early surgical treatment for EHCC would provide favorable long-term outcomes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Hiromitsu Hayashi for suggesting the topic investigated in this paper. I am grateful to Yo-Ichi Yamashita for assistance with the useful discussions and Hideo Baba for carefully proofreading the manuscript.

Footnotes

Manuscript source: Unsolicited manuscript

Specialty type: Gastroenterology and hepatology

Country/Territory of origin: Japan

Peer-review report’s scientific quality classification

Grade A (Excellent): 0

Grade B (Very good): B, B, B

Grade C (Good): 0

Grade D (Fair): 0

Grade E (Poor): 0

P-Reviewer: Fu TL, Sergi C, Sun WB S-Editor: Zhang L L-Editor: A E-Editor: Zhang YL

References
1.  Jin R, Yu Q, Liang X. Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma manifesting multiple abdominal masses: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96:e8968.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 7]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 10]  [Article Influence: 1.4]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
2.  Seo UH, Lee HJ, Ryu WS, Kwak JM, Shin BK, Kim WB, Lee SI, Park SS, Choi JW, Kim SH, Choi SY, Mok YJ. Laparoscopic resection of a hepatocellular carcinoma arising from an ectopic liver. Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2008;18:508-510.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 19]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 19]  [Article Influence: 1.2]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
3.  Collan Y, Hakkiluoto A, Hästbacka J. Ectopic liver. Ann Chir Gynaecol. 1978;67:27-29.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
4.  Martínez-Acitores D, Hernández Ainsa M, Cortés García L, Bengochea Martínez ML, Palacios Fanlo MJ. Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma arising from the peritoneum. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2019;111:809-811.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 2]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 3]  [Article Influence: 0.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
5.  George NE, Raghavapuram S, Banerjee D, Al-Shoha M, Fedda F, Tharian B. Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma within a Choledochal Cyst Diagnosed Using Single-Operator Digital Cholangioscopy. Am J Gastroenterol. 2017;112:1347-1348.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 4]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 4]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
6.  Li Z, Wu X, Wen T, Li C, Peng W. Multiple ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas in the pancreas: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96:e6747.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 6]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 7]  [Article Influence: 1.0]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
7.  Cui T, Diao X, Chen X, Huang S, Sun J. A case report: delayed high fever and maculopapules during Sorafenib treatment of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer. 2016;16:543.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 5]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 5]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
8.  Lee JY, Kim KH, Kang MS, Kim KH. Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Arising from the Peritoneum in a Patient with a History of Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Case Report. Case Rep Oncol. 2015;8:456-460.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 5]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 5]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
9.  Aarås AM, Reitan-Gjersøe TA, Waage A, Mala T, Edwin B, Løberg EM, Abildgaard A, Røsok BI. Laparoscopic resection of recurrent ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report with review of the literature and guidelines for follow-up. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2015;17:92-95.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 3]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 3]  [Article Influence: 0.3]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
10.  Yuce S, Sahin O, Bedir R, Ayaz T, Durakoglugil T. A case report of retroperitoneal extrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma presented with elevated level of Alpha fetoprotein. Hippokratia. 2014;18:80-82.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
11.  Nakamura N, Irie T, Tanaka S, Arii S. [A case ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination]. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2013;110:1968-1975.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
12.  Miyake T, Hoshino S, Yoshida Y, Aisu N, Tanimura S, Hisano S, Kuno N, Sohda T, Sakisaka S, Yamashita Y. Multiple ectopic hepatocellular carcinomas arising in the abdominal cavity. Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2012;6:629-634.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 7]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 7]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
13.  Nishikawa K, Watanabe K, Hisamatsu Y, Shirao K. Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma of the left sub-diaphragm with metastasis. Intern Med. 2011;50:1505-1506.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 8]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 8]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
14.  Matsuyama M, Sugiura S, Kakita A, Sato Y, Kuroda M. Hepatocellular carcinoma arising from ectopic liver tissue in the spleen producing insulin-like growth factor II. Pathol Res Pract. 2011;207:124-126.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 18]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 19]  [Article Influence: 1.4]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
15.  Kanzaki R, Yamada T, Gotoh K, Takahashi H, Ohigashi H, Ishikawa O. Ectopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Arising in the Left Triangular Ligament of the Liver. Case Rep Gastroenterol. 2010;4:138-143.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 21]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 22]  [Article Influence: 1.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
16.  Singh V, Sinha RJ, Sankhwar SN, Kumar S, Mehrotra B, Puri M, Sengottayan VK. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma in ectopic liver masquerading as left adrenal carcinoma: a rare occurrence. Rare Tumors. 2010;2:e35.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 7]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 7]  [Article Influence: 0.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
17.  Fukuda S, Yano K, Ohata K, Nonaka K, Tateyama M, Taura N, Komori A, Abiru S, Yatsuhashi H, Ito M, Fujioka H, Ishibashi H. [A case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma]. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi. 2009;106:1770-1777.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
18.  Kubota K, Kita J, Rokkaku K, Iwasaki Y, Sawada T, Imura J, Fujimori T. Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma arising from pancreas: a case report and review of the literature. World J Gastroenterol. 2007;13:4270-4273.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in CrossRef: 43]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 43]  [Article Influence: 2.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
19.  Huang TW, Chan DC, Lee HS, Yao NS, Lee SC, Cheng YL. Ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma of the diaphragm. Dig Dis Sci. 2007;52:1118-1120.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 10]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 10]  [Article Influence: 0.6]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
20.  Liu KL, Ho MC, Chen PJ. Ectopic liver with hepatocellular carcinoma in the peritoneum. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007;188:W206-W207.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 7]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 8]  [Article Influence: 0.5]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
21.  Cardona D, Grobmyer S, Crawford JM, Liu C. Hepatocellular carcinoma arising from ectopic liver tissue in the pancreas. Virchows Arch. 2007;450:225-229.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 36]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 30]  [Article Influence: 1.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
22.  Shigemori M, Kondo M, Azechi H, Inoue F, Tamura J, Kobayashi H, Saiga T. A case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma in the jejunum. J Gastroenterol. 2006;41:913-918.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 11]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 14]  [Article Influence: 0.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
23.  Kim KA, Park CM, Kim CH, Choi SY, Park SW, Hong SJ, Seol HY, Cha IH. Hepatocellular carcinoma in an ectopic liver: CT findings. Eur Radiol. 2003;13 Suppl 4:L45-L47.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 21]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 26]  [Article Influence: 1.3]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
24.  Le Bail B, Carles J, Saric J, Balabaud C, Bioulac-Sage P. Ectopic liver and hepatocarcinogenesis. Hepatology. 1999;30:585-586.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 29]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 30]  [Article Influence: 1.2]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
25.  Arakawa M, Kimura Y, Sakata K, Kubo Y, Fukushima T, Okuda K. Propensity of ectopic liver to hepatocarcinogenesis: case reports and a review of the literature. Hepatology. 1999;29:57-61.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 108]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 109]  [Article Influence: 4.4]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]