Skull metastases revealing a hepatocellular carcinoma: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) revealed by skull metastasis is very rare situation. This would mean that the patient was probably misdiagnosed allowing the disease to progress to an advanced stage, for which no curative treatment can be envisaged. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 70-years-old Moroccan male, treated by interferon since 2014 for viral hepatitis C. He reported a gradual installation of scalp masses, which have grown in size and become painful. Surgical biopsy with histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies established the diagnosis of metastasis of HCC. This case was managed by palliative radiotherapy and is currently under treatment by Sorafenib. Conclusion: Cranial metastasis as first symptom of HCC, represents an exceptional situation, which must not delay the diagnosis allowing a fast and effective management to have access to an optimal therapeutic outcome.