Primary hepatic lymphoma in hepatitis C: case report and review of the literature.
Primary B-cell lymphoma of the liver is an extremely rare tumor. The higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C is well known, but the relationship with lymphoma is unclear. An increased incidence has been reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C virus is known to be a lymphotropic virus. Mixed cryoglobulinemia, which is a benign lymphoproliferative disorder, has a definite association with hepatitis C. It is postulated that the virus may also induce a malignant transformation. We describe an unusual presentation of a case of asymptomatic left hepatic mass in a patient with hepatitis C with a preoperative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. He underwent a left lateral segmentectomy, and the pathologic examination revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The clinical features, radiologic investigations, and pathologic findings are presented. A review of the literature discussing clinical features, postulated pathogenetic mechanisms, and management options is also presented.
Chowla
A
A
Division of Surgery, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA.
Malhi-Chowla
N
N
Chidambaram
A
A
Surick
B
B
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged