Consideration of Management Techniques for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Metastasis to the Right Atrium: A Case Report

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of cancer and the most common form of liver cancer. Multiple etiological factors leading to HCC include hepatitis B and C, diabetes, alcoholic fatty liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma in the late stages may present with tumor burden and thrombi that can extend into the right atrium (RA). This late-stage form of HCC has a poor prognosis. In this case, we present a 63-year-old male who presented to the hospital with acute encephalopathy with bilateral pulmonary emboli and a thrombus secondary to HCC extending into the RA. Clinical trials for non-surgical interventions are ongoing and are needed to treat patients with tumor burden who may be at bleeding risk from tumor resection.