Neoplasm of hepatic stellate cells (spongiotic pericytoma): A new tumor entity in human liver

The unusual aspect of this tumor is that it contained collections of cells that appeared to be hepatic stellate cells (Ito cells). It also contained hepatic cells arranged in plates, lobules, and capillarized sinuses. These findings suggest that the tumorous proliferation of hepatic stellate cells is functionally linked to the hepatocytes. It is unclear whether there is a link between the tumor and the patient's use of oral contraceptives. Referring to animal studies, different hepatocarcinogens may cause neoplastic Ito cell proliferation. The patient has remained recurrence-free during the 12 months since operation.