Abstract

Despite growing information on the clinical behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), the histologic features associated with survival are not well characterized. Several different staging systems are suggested for use in predicting the prognosis of HCC. American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer Staging System (AJCC/UICC) 6th edition divided T stages according to vessel invasion, T1 without microvessel invasion, T2 showing microvessel invasion and T3 showing major vessel invasion. The vessel invasion is generally considered a poor prognostic factor for HCC. Our report of the two patients with HCC run along similar terms. The patient diagnosed HCC with microvessel invasion underwent left lateral sectionectomy. Although the presence of microvessel invasion was found, this patient has survived without any recurrence for over 5 years now. The other patient underwent S8 segmentectomy and lived 10 years disease-free. After 10 years, although an intrahepatic recurred HCC successfully treated with local therapy, the recurred and newly developed multiple lesions were found again leading to a decision to perform operation. The HCC invaded into the portal vein and constituted portal vein thrombosis. The patient expired after 3 months postoperatively due to intrahepatic dissemination of the tumor. Therefore the impact of the vascular invasion on long-term survivors remains to be determined.

• Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma;Microvessel invasion;Vessel invasion