Whether borderline serous tumors of the ovary can be differentiated from invasive serous cystadenocarcinomas by morphometric analysis of nuclear features of the neoplastic epithelium was examined. Multiple descriptors extracted from nuclear tracings and intranuclear gray-level analysis of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions were evaluated in 11 borderline and 18 invasive tumors using computerized interactive morphometric analysis. These descriptors included: nuclear area and perimeter; number, area, and perimeter of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions; standard deviations of these findings; and a size distribution of nuclear areas in discrete classes. Multivariate statistical analysis showed the internal consistency of the two groups in terms of physical descriptors and the discriminating value of the parameters of nuclear size and pleomorphism (independently of nucleolar organizer region parameters). The results indicated that interactive morphometric analysis of nuclear features, combined with appropriate statistical methods, could be used to distinguish between these tumors. Cancer 1992; 69:988–992.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major global contributor of cancer death, usually arises in a background of chronic liver disease, as a result of molecular changes that deregulate important signal transduction pathways. Recent studies have shown that certain molecular changes of hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with clinicopathologic features and prognosis, suggesting that subclassification of HCC is practically useful. On the other hand, subclassification of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs), a heterogenous group of neoplasms, has been well established on the basis of genotype–phenotype correlations. Histologic examination, aided by immunohistochemistry, is the gold standard for the diagnosis and subclassification of HCA and HCC, while clinicopathologic correlation is essential for best patient management. Advances in clinico-radio-pathologic correlation have introduced a new approach for the diagnostic assessment of lesions arising in advanced chronic liver disease by imaging (LI-RADS). The rapid expansion of knowledge concerning the molecular pathogenesis of HCC is now starting to produce new therapeutic approaches through precision oncology. This review summarizes the etiology and pathogenesis of HCA and HCC, provides practical information for their histologic diagnosis (including an algorithmic approach), and addresses a variety of frequently asked questions regarding the diagnosis and practical implications of these neoplasms.

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare pathologic condition distinct from amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is most often characterized by overproduction of lambda light chains, while kappa chains are overproduced in LCDD. In contrast to amyloid deposits, those of LCDD do not stain with Congo red and have a granular ultrastructure. LCDD primarily affects the kidney; clinically significant liver dysfunction is less common and less severe than renal disease. We describe a case of kappa chain deposition disease in a patient with plasma cell dyscrasia and platelet pool storage defect, which produced massive hepatomegaly and rupture of the liver leading to orthotopic liver transplantation. The liver weighed 6800 g and showed severe atrophy due to massive deposition of light chains. In this case, the deposits were composed of unbranched fibrils, which measured 12 to 20 nm in width, did not possess a hollow core, and were arranged randomly rather than in structured arrays.