Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Bile cytology from percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage (PTCD) is a useful procedure in case of obstructive jaundice.


METHODS
Repeated cytology via PTCD from a cystically dilated duct in a 56-year-old female with a long clinical history permitted a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The smears showed excessive benign-appearing squamous cells with or without a nucleus and a few keratinized- and nonkeratinized-type SCC cells. No adenocarcinoma-derived cells were identified. No focus of SCC was detected clinically. The resected hepatic specimen disclosed a keratinized-type SCC simultaneous with benign metaplastic squamous epithelium.


CONCLUSIONS
This case of cytology of primary SCC of the liver seems to be the first reported. Even when showing a great number of benign-appearing squamous cells, the possibility of malignancy should not be ruled out. Repeating the cytology from PTCD is effective for a diagnosis.
Shinagawa
T
T
Department of Pathology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
Tadokoro
M
M
Takagi
M
M
Yasuda
R
R
Adachi
Y
Y
Komoriyama
H
H
Yamaguchi
S
S
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed