Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The image shows HCC with moderate pleomorphism (left) and a well-differentiated area (right) with trabecular growth pattern. In all cytologic patterns, the tumor cells resemble non-neoplastic hepatocytes with varying degrees of nuclear atypia. The tumor cells tend to retain their polygonal shape, round vesicular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. Intranuclear vacuoles (cytoplasmic invaginations) and nuclear glycogenation are fairly common. The cytoplasm is slightly more basophilic compared to non-neoplastic hepatocytes. Cytoplasmic inclusions, such as Mallory bodies (globular acidophilic bodies composed of proteins such as albumin, fibrinogen, alpha-1 antitrypsin, or ferritin), may be present.