Unusual dual metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma to the orbit and oral cavity: a case report and literature review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver malignancy with a high propensity for extrahepatic spread, most commonly to the lungs, lymph nodes, and bones. Metastases to atypical sites like the orbital and oral cavity are uncommon and often underrecognized. We report the case of a 74-year-old male with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis who was diagnosed with HCC and initially treated with locoregional therapies. Disease progression was marked by the development of biopsy-confirmed pulmonary metastases, followed by treatment with durvalumab plus tremelimumab immunotherapy and external beam radiation. Despite therapy, further progression occurred with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The patient subsequently developed visual disturbances, and ophthalmologic evaluation identified a solitary choroidal mass consistent with metastatic HCC. Around the same time, he presented with recurrent oral bleeding, and a biopsy of a maxillary gingival lesion confirmed metastatic HCC. This case highlights the aggressive nature of advanced HCC and its potential for unusual metastatic spread. To our knowledge, this is among the few reported cases of HCC with orbital and oral metastases. Awareness of atypical metastatic presentations and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for timely diagnosis and optimal management.
Source: Exploration of Medicine
Institutions: University of Houston, Houston Methodist
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7160704050