Oral metastasis of a human chorionic gonadotrophin secreting primary hepatic carcinoma

Primary hepatic carcinomas are a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and more so, an important cause in women. Metastases from hepatic carcinomas to the oral cavity are rare. However, those reported are usually the first manifestation of the tumor.

We report a case of an oral metastasis from a primary hepatic carcinoma to a rare maxillary location including the hard palate presenting as a manifestation of the disease in a 48-year-old woman with elevated urine β-hCG. A biopsy of the oral lesion revealed nests of epithelial cells with hyperchromatic nuclei suggestive of metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.

A possible route for this metastasis is the Batson's venous plexus. The prognosis after the appearance of oral metastases is usually poor as was observed with the demise of our patient about 12 weeks after the apparition of the oral mass. A multidisciplinary approach towards patients will help in early diagnosis, treatment and reduce morbidities and mortalities associated with this rare pathology.