Skull Metastasis from the Liver: Case Report and Literature Review

Response of Scalp and Skull Metastasis to Anti-PD-1 Antibody Combined with Regorafenib Treatment in a Sorafenib-Resistant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patient and a Literature Review

Background

Scalp and skull metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely rare. Modalities for the treatment of this disease include craniotomy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which are unsatisfactory. We report a case of HCC with scalp and skull metastasis and review similar cases from the literature to accumulate experience for better management of this type of HCC metastasis.

Case Presentation

A 54-year-old female was diagnosed with advanced HCC with posterior portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) at admission. She received laparoscopic microwave therapy for a large tumor in Segment 6, which was then followed by sorafenib therapy. One year later, sorafenib resistance developed, metastasis occurred in the scalp and skull, left sacroiliac joint, and lung; PVTT extended into the main portal vein and alpha-feta protein (AFP) levels exceeded 65,000 ng/mL. Systemic therapy was then substituted by regorafenib combined with sintilimab. Three months later, AFP decreased to 2005 ng/mL; meanwhile, skull and lung metastatic lesions shrank significantly. Furthermore, both lump and limp disappeared. One year after the combination of regorafenib and sintilimab, skull and lung metastasis, and PVTT were completely relieved. Moreover, primary liver lesions showed no sign of activity. With comprehensive therapy, the patient has survived for 5 years and 7 months.

Conclusion

Sorafenib-regorafenib sequential treatment combined with sintilimab is safe and effective when used to treat HCC skull metastasis, for which high-level evidence is needed to support this treatment strategy.

Superior Sagittal Sinus Tumor Eroding through the Skull: An Unfamiliar Presentation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Literature Review

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) most commonly develops in patients with liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C and B virus. HCC is the most common cause of death in people with cirrhosis. The lungs, bone, and lymph nodes are frequent sites of metastasis of HCC.

Patients and Methods

We present a case of solitary skull metastasis as the first symptom of HCC. A literature review with regard to HCC skull metastasis was undertaken.

Results

This patient had HCC based on chronic hepatitis C. He presented with an erosive lesion masquerading as a scalp lipoma resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma with retrograde reflux and sinus metastases. The lesion was ultimately resected, but the patient died within one week from liver failure. Seventeen similar cases were found in the literature. Median age of the patients was 58 years with 95% being male and 35% having viral hepatitis. Surgery was the preferred treatment with chemotherapy and radiation being other options. Outcome was acceptable but baseline liver disease is a limiting factor.

Discussion

Cranial metastases of HCC are rare but should be considered in patients with chronic hepatitis C presenting with scalp skin lesions.