Case Report
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World J Hepatol. Dec 27, 2013; 5(12): 696-700
Published online Dec 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i12.696
Hepatocellular carcinoma and synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer in cirrhosis: A case report
Marcello Maida, Fabio Salvatore Macaluso, Massimo Galia, Giuseppe Cabibbo
Marcello Maida, Fabio Salvatore Macaluso, Giuseppe Cabibbo, Section of Gastroenterology, DIBIMIS, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Massimo Galia, Department of Radiology, DIBIMEF, University Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Author contributions: Maida M, Macaluso FS and Cabibbo G contributed to clinical management and were responsible for drafting of the manuscript; Galia M contributed to final diagnosis; all authors had full control over preparation of manuscript and approved the final draft.
Correspondence to: Giuseppe Cabibbo, MD, PhD, Section of Gastroenterology, DIBIMIS, University Palermo, P.zza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy. g.cab@libero.it
Telephone: +39-91-6552274 Fax: +39-91-6552156
Received: September 19, 2013
Revised: November 5, 2013
Accepted: November 18, 2013
Published online: December 27, 2013
Processing time: 114 Days and 22 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: A 68-year-old man with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis was admitted to our Unit for a diagnostic evaluation of three focal liver lesions detected by regular surveillance ultrasound. Computer tomography scans of abdomen allowed a diagnosis of single nodule hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and showed two centimetric liver nodules suspected for metastases and a luminal narrowing with thickening of the colon. The subsequent colonoscopy and ultrasound-guided biopsy of the three focal liver lesions confirmed a diagnosis of colorectal cancer with liver metastases together with a single nodule HCC. Our experience highlights the potential coexistence of two different neoplasms in a cirrhotic liver and the complexity in the proper diagnosis and management of the two tumours.