pathology report question...

[happymom2v]

I was trying to add to my other question...but it wouldn't let me, so I am very SORRY to start another thread...

What are the chances that the HCC can come back post transplant, either in the new liver or as a metasized cancer elsewhere in the body???

Here is Pathology:
1. The trichrome stain confirms absence of fibrosis. there is no macrovesicular steatosis or necrosis.
2. The specimen reveals a 1.2cm partially necrotic subcapsular nodule in right lobe. The necrotic nodule demonstrates residual moderately differentitated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tumor size 1.2cm,
Solitary tumor in right lobe
Tumor Necrosis: present 80%
Tumor extension:Tumor confined to liver
Hilar margin: hilar margin is uninvolved by carcinoma
Distance of invasive carcinoma from closest margin:  5cm,
Primary tumor
pT1: solitary tumor without vascular invasion
Fibrosis score: 4

Based on this pathology report...Is there a chance HCC will come back either in new liver or as a mestastic cancer?

[happymom2v]

1. What does "moderately differentiated" mean?
2. What does "partially necrotic subcapsular nodule" mean?
3. With a history of chronic thrombosis of the main portal vein (past & present), Would the pathology have shown if there was any HCC invasion of the portal vein?
4. What does "no macrovesicular steatosis or necrosis" mean?

Thank you in advance.

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

based on the histology i firmly believe that the chance for recurrence is negligible.  The most important aspect is whether or not there is vascular invasion and there is not in your case.  great news.