title: Ultrastructural comparison of hepatoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: The ultrastructural characteristics of fetal liver, two hepatoblastomas and two hepatocellular carcinomas were compared. Tumor cells of hepatoblastoma disclosed monotonous nuclei, poorly-developed cytoplasmic membrane system, abundant free ribosomes and prominent glycogen granules. Thos of hepatocellular carcinoma revealed comparatively pleomorphic nuclei, well-developed cytoplasmic membrane system, a few free ribosomes and numerous glycogen granules. Fetal liver showed monotonous nuclei, well-developed RER abundant free ribosomes and prominent glycogen granules. Young mesenchymal cells with well-developed RER and continuous basal lamina surrounding the epithelial cells were detected in both cases of hepatoblastoma but not in those of hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumor cells of hepatoblastoma in a case showed intramitochondrial crystalloids and thick bundles of fibrils in the cytoplasm.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008099:Liver / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012270:Ribosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure