Perforation of the colon: a rare complication of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Direct infiltration of the colon by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare condition. Only a few reports can be found in the literature. Here we present a case of direct infiltration of the ascending colon by an exophytic growing HCC of the right posterior liver lobe, in which treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) had been performed. Tumor invasion became evident by abdominal pain and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Diagnosis was established by contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CE-MDCT), demonstrating the direct tumor invasion with concomitant perforation of the infiltrated colon segment. Based on these findings, rapid and effective surgical treatment could be achieved.