Histological Heterogeneity of Primary Liver Cancers: Clinical Relevance, Diagnostic Pitfalls and the Pathologist's Role.

Primary liver cancers (PLCs) mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), and cHCC-CCA. Combined HCC-CCA and small duct type iCCA show similar clinical presentations, and their histological features are more complex than seen in HCC. Therefore, while their treatment strategy differs, it is difficult to properly diagnose these tumors. Currently, HCC is the only tumor that can be treated by liver transplantation. In addition, small duct type iCCA harbors IDH1/2 mutations and FGFR2 fusions, which can be used for targeted therapy. Thus, improving diagnostic accuracy is crucial. A further point to note is that PLCs often present as multiple liver tumors, and they can be a combination of different types of PLCs or HCCs. In the case of HCCs, two different scenarios are possible, namely intrahepatic metastasis, or multicentric occurrence. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the type of multiple liver tumors. This review aims to clarify the pathological features of HCC, iCCA and cHCC-CCA, including their diagnostic pitfalls and clinical relevance. It is designed to be of use to clinicians who are dealing with PLCs, to provide a better understanding of the pathology of these tumors, and to enable a more accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment choice.