A case of primary hepatic stromal tumour misdiagnosed as a liver cyst

Abstract

Primary hepatic stromal tumours are very rare and there are only sporadic reports in the literature. Due to the lack of specificity in their clinical manifestations and imaging features, these tumours are easily misdiagnosed. This current report presents a case of primary liver stromal tumour that was misdiagnosed as a liver cyst. The 72-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital due to right upper abdomen fullness and discomfort for more than 2 weeks. Colour Doppler ultrasonography and enhanced computed tomography examinations revealed a cystic mass in the right lobe of the liver. The preoperative diagnosis was a liver cyst and the laparoscopic fenestration was performed. The pathological examination demonstrated that it was a primary hepatic stromal tumour. Gastroenteroscopy was performed postoperatively and no lesions were found in the gastrointestinal tract. Imatinib mesylate was given orally as the salvage therapy and a radical operation was planned at the patient's request. This current case serves as a reminder that clinicians should consider the possibility that it could be a primary hepatic stromal tumour rather than a hepatic cyst. A multidisciplinary team is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a primary hepatic stromal tumour.