Intracytoplasmic hyaline globules in hepatocellular carcinomas

Abstract

Intracytoplasmic hyaline globules (IHG) were found in 16 out of 105 hepatocellular carcinomas (15.2%). In all cases, there was a male preponderance, most of the patients were Black, and the mean age was in the fifth decade. IHG were mostly noted in the better‐differentiated tumors. Bile production was present in 12% of all tumors. Over 80% of tumors with globules showed necrosis as compared with 40% of the tumors without globules. Cirrhosis was present in almost half the cases, with liver cell dysplasia in 15%. These globules are possibly alpha‐fetoprotein. Some of them may be giant lysosomes. Their role in carcinogenesis and prognosis is uncertain. Copyright © 1976 American Cancer Society