A rare primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumour with laparoscopic resection: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumours (PHNETs) are a rare form of hepatic neoplasms, and it is difficult to differentiate them from common hepatic malignancies in routine imaging studies. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: We describe the case of a 60-year-old Indian male patient with a tentative preoperative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the definitive post-operative diagnosis was made by Histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment, which revealed a grade II neuroendocrine tumour (NET) of moderate differentiation. Surgical resection was performed through a minimally invasive approach with a favourable postoperative course and a short hospital stay. One-month Post-operative Octreotide scan showed no extrahepatic primary origin of the tumour. DISCUSSION: PHNET is a rare entity, and multi modalities investigations, including imaging, serology, endoscopy series, and histopathology findings, aside from long-term follow-up to rule out another primary origin, are essential for the final diagnosis of PHNET. Surgical resection stands as the mainstay of treatment of PHNETs. CONCLUSION: The absence of primary liver diseases should expand our possible differential diagnosis. Laparoscopic surgical resection of PHNETs carries a favourable outcome.