Clinicopathological Observation on Hepatocellular Dysplastic Nodules

  Objective  To discuss the clinicopathological characteristics of hapatocellular dysplastic nodules.

  Methods  Totally 12 cases of hepatocellular dysplastic nodules were collected and their clinical and pathological features were reviewed.

  Results  Hepatocellular dysplastic nodules were shown as nodules on gross examination. On microscopic examination, they showed increased cell density as well as nucleus/cytoplasm ratio. Structural atypia and unpaired arteries were also found. In 2 cases there were foci of early hepatocellular carcinoma in dysplastic nodules. During the follow-up, 7 patients lived without tumors, and 1 patient developed hepatocellular carcinoma after 48 months.

  Conclusion  Hepatocellular dysplastic nodules have typical clinicopathology and can be regarded as a precursor of hapatocellular carcinoma.