Primary hepatic lymphoma in hepatitis C: Case report and review of the literature

Primary B-cell lymphoma of the liver is an extremely rare tumor. The higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C is well known, but th e relationship with lymphoma is unclear. An increased incidence has been re ported in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C virus is known to be a lymphotropic virus. Mixed cryoglobulinemia, which is a benign lymphopr oliferative disorder, has a definite association with hepatitis C. It is po stulated that the virus may also induce a malignant transformation. We desc ribe an unusual presentation of a ease of asymptomatic left hepatic mass in a patient with hepatitis C with a preoperative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. He underwent a left lateral segmentectomy, and the pathologic e xamination revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The clinical features, radiolog ic investigations, and pathologic findings are presented. A review of the l iterature discussing clinical features, postulated pathogenetic mechanisms, and management options is also presented.