Morphologic Subtypes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinomas can be further divided into distinct subtypes that provide important clinical information and biological insights. These subtypes are distinct from growth patterns and are on based on morphologic and molecular findings. There are 12 reasonably well-defined subtypes as well as 6 provisional subtypes, together making up 35% of all hepatocellular carcinomas. These subtypes are discussed, with an emphasis on their definitions and the key morphologic findings.

Keywords: Carcinosarcoma; Cirrhotomimetic hepatocellular carcinoma; Clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma; Diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma; Fibrolamellar carcinoma; Hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes; Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma; Scirrhous hepatocellular carcinoma.