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Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Metastasis to the Spleen in a Holstein Cow

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with metastasis to the spleen in a Holstein cow was studied by histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods. The tumor was characterized by a pseudoglandular (acinar) pattern with an associated fibrous stroma. Individual cells often had a "hepatoid" appearance but were interspersed with scattered cells exhibiting a clear, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive cytoplasm and small eccentric nuclei. This pattern was present in nodules found in both liver and spleen. Moreover, hepatoid tumor cells were positive for alpha-fetoprotein. Immunohistochemical studies suggest that myofibroblasts were responsible for the production of fibrous septa surrounding the pseudoglandular structures of bovine HCC. In summary, our histologic and immunohistochemical findings support a diagnosis of primary HCC with splenic metastasis. Furthermore, the associated stromal response appears to be of a myofibroblast origin. The primary etiology of bovine HCC and the significance of the intralesional, PAS-positive clear cells remain undetermined.

Key words: Alpha-fetoprotein; cows; hepatocellular carcinoma; myofibroblast.

Request reprints from Prof. K. S. Jeong, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu City 702-701, South Korea. E-mail: jeongks{at}knu.ac.kr