A Case of Atypical Liver Hemangioma Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Han, Kwang Hyub; Paik, Yong Han; Chon, Chae Yoon; Moon, Young Myoung; Kim, Jin Suk; Ko, Jun Sang; Cheong, Jae Youn; Cho, Young Jun; Choi, Byung Hyun

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the major cancers in Korea. Early detection and diagnosis are the most important for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasonography combined with the measurement of serum alpha-fetoprotein is an effective screening method to detect small hepatocellular carcinoma. A 53-year-old man who had chronic hepatitis B was referred to our hospital under the suspicion of having hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasonogrphy had revealed a 3 cm diameter hyperechoic mass, suggesting hemangioma. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed for suspicion of having hepatocellular carcinoma due to elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein level. Since MR imaging was consistent with possible hepatocellular carcinoma, but not specific for hemangioma, red blood cell scan, needle aspiration biopsy, and angiography were performed. However, those results were not conclusive. Thus, the patient was followed at regular intervals. Since serum alpha-fetoprotein level became normal, but tumor size was not changed during long term follow-up, we diagnosed the lesion as atypical hemangioma.