Image Description
Higher magnification of the previous image reveals a pushing tumor border and moderate to marked cellular pleomorphism, with focal anaplasia and hyperchromasia. The histologic grading of HCC is based on nuclear features. Grade 1 tumors comprise cells that resemble non-neoplastic hepatocytes, with small round nuclei and little/no atypia. Grade 2 tumors display conspicuous nucleoli, hyperchromatism, and irregular nuclear membranes. Grades 3 & 4 HCC show progressively increasing nuclear pleomorphism, which may result in anaplasia and giant tumor cells.