[Hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with echinococcal cyst of the liver].

AIM

We present a rare case of concomitant echinococcus and hepatocellular carcinoma in a single lesion, and discuss the possible pathogenesis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 64-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with a few months' history of weakness, weight loss and abdominal discomfort. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a cystic lesion measuring 10 cm in diameter in the segments 2 and 3 and multiple well-enhanced nodules adjacent to the cystic portion in the segments 4,5,8.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was confirmed intraoperativelly--a hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with echinococcal cyst of the liver. A left trisectionectomy was performed. Mebendazole treatment was begun.

CONCLUSION

The simultaneous occurrence of echinococcosis disease and hepatocellular carcinoma is quite rare. Both of these diseases are chronic processes, and this further raises the possibility that echinococcosis could have had a role in the development of the liver cancer.