Histologic subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma in the southern Thai population.

Since there has been no report on histologic subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its significance in the Thai population, the present study was conducted to elucidate the situation through appraisal of histologic and laboratory records. A total of 180 archived microscopic slides of HCC in Sonklanagarind Hospital from 1991 to 1998 were of good enough quality with sufficient tissue to be reviewed. The reclassified histologic subtypes were correlated with microscopic features and laboratory data. Of the 180 cases, 147 were males and hepatitis B was the main etiologic factor. The histologic subtypes of HCC were trabecular 63.3%, compact 15.6%, scirrhous 7.8%, pseudoglandular 5%, and fibrolamellar 0.6%. There was no correlation between histologic subtypes and morphological findings, as well as HBV, HCV, and cirrhotic status. A correlation between AFP levels and the AST/ALT ratio was evident.