# A Rare Case of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Osteoclast-Like Giant Cells: Favorable Outcome Following Early Surgical Resection

**Authors:** Ryohei Aoyama, Kentaro Yasuchika, Masaki Yamada, Naoto Nakamura, Satoshi Yokoyama

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.93435 · Cureus · 2025-09-28

## TL;DR

A rare case of liver cancer with giant cells was successfully treated with early surgery, showing a good outcome.

## Contribution

Reports a rare HCC case with osteoclast-like giant cells that had a favorable outcome after early surgical resection.

## Key findings

- The patient had early-stage HCC with osteoclast-like giant cells detected during routine surveillance.
- Surgical resection led to uneventful recovery and no recurrence after two years of follow-up.
- Early diagnosis and treatment may improve outcomes for this rare HCC variant.

## Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) containing osteoclast-like giant cells (OGCs) is an exceptionally rare histological variant, with few cases reported in the literature. These tumors typically exhibit aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis, often presenting at advanced stages. We report the case of a 71-year-old male with early-stage HCC harboring OGCs, incidentally detected during routine surveillance for prior colon cancer. Imaging findings were consistent with conventional HCC, and laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed well-differentiated HCC with scattered OGCs. The patient recovered uneventfully and has remained recurrence-free for two years postoperatively, as confirmed by routine radiological surveillance. This case highlights the potential for favorable outcomes in HCC with OGCs when diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Further case accumulation is needed to better understand the clinical behavior and optimal management of this rare entity.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Hepatocellular carcinoma (MONDO:0007256), colon cancer (MONDO:0002032)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** colon cancer (MESH:D015179), HCC (MESH:D006528), tumors (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12568141/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12568141