A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with numerous cholesterol crystals in the tumor tissue

Abstract

A 67-year-old male who had hepatocellular carcinoma with liver cirrhosis showed remarkably low in density in the tumor area by CT scan. The resected tumor measured 6×6×6cm in size and was encapsulated. The patient died of hematemesis resulting from rapture of esophageal varices.
Microscopic study of the tumor revealed numerous cholesterol crystals. Cholesterol content in the tumor tissue was approximately 8 times compared with normal liver and the concentration of cholesterol ester comprised 36.2% of total cholesterol.