HEPATOMA: CLINICAL EXPERIENCES WITH A FREQUENTLY BIZARRE TUMOR

Abstract

In 47 cases of primary carcinoma of the liver reviewed, 14 presented clinical pictures dominated by features formerly considered atypical and rare. Nine cases with protean and polymorphic atypical clinical courses were discussed in detail. Symptomatic patterns of in-trahepatic growth and extrahepatic dissemination of this tumor are offered as aids to clinical diagnosis. It is emphasized that the general notion that cirrhosis and hepatoma are frequently associated is true. Evidence of a possible increase in frequency of hepatoma in the United States and a changing concept of the association of posthepatic cirrhosis and post-necrotic cirrhosis are considered. The alarming increase in frequency of infectious hepatitis and the possible increase in one of its complications (hepatomas have developed in 14 of 221 postnecrotic cirrhotics) are emphasized.