Clinicopathological Characteristics of the Dual-phenotype Hepatocellular Carcinoma and its Correlation with Prognosis

Sun Lixia; Yu Weidong; Wang Zhihui

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-5775.2025.04.003

Abstract：Objective:To investigate the histological morphology,immunophenotypic features,differential diagnosis and prognosis of dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma(DPHCC).Methods:A total of 9 patients with DPHCC who undenvent surgical resection and were pathologically confirmed in Jiangmen Central Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were collected.The morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of DPHCC were analyzed retrospectively,and the relevant papers were also reviewed.Results:Of the 9 DPHCC patients,5 were males and 4 were females,the age was 31～74 years old.Clinical symptoms:4 cases showed pain and discomfort in the upper abdominal liver area,4 cases were found liver occupying by physical examination,and 1 case found elevated transaminase by premarital examination.Microscopically,the tumor cells showed beam shape,nests and solid sheet or pseudoadenoid arrangement,with abundant cytoplasm,round or irregular nuclei,and common mitotic images.3 cases were positive for microvascular invasion,and 1 case showed satellite nodules.CK19 was expressed in all 9 DPHCC cases,and CK7 was positive in 5 cases.During 3 to 24 months of follow-up,2 cases recurred at 8 months and 12 months respectively,and the rest did not have recurrence or metastasis.Conclusion:As a special subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma,DPHCC is more prone to microvascular invasion and has a high risk of metastasis and early postoperative recurrence.Therefore,for patients with DPHCC,pathologists must make accurate diagnosis to provide reliable pathological basis for clinical treatment and prognosis assessment.