Significance of the relationship between irregular regeneration and two hepatocarcinogenic pathways: "De novo" and so-called "dysplastic nodule-hepatocellular carcinoma" sequence

Background and Objectives: Irregular regeneration of hepatocytes has been reported as an important factor in the hepatocarcinogenesis, so we studied the relationship between irregular regeneration and two hepatocarcinogenic pathways, "de novo" and "dysplastic nodule-hepatocellular carcinoma sequence." Methods: Liver tissue was obtained from surgically resected 112 specimens, early well differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas and non-cancerous tissue. Hepatocellular carcinomas were divided into two groups; carcinoma with dysplastic area (type A) and without dysplastic area (type B) and were compared with irregular regeneration of hepatocytes in the non-cancerous tissue. Results: Eighty-eight of 112 cases were judged to have irregular regeneration, such as anisocytosis, pleomorphism, bulging and map-like distribution. The degree of irregular regeneration was not correlated to the type of early well differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas. However, the existences of pleomorphism, map-like distribution and bulging are significantly correlated with type A. Conclusion: Type A might be more frequently occurring in a carcinogenic liver showing some kinds of irregular regeneration.