Abstract

The jaundice in hepatocellular carcinoma patient can be found when the tumor progresses or hepatic function deteriorates. Rarely, it can be occurred when the bile duct is obstructed. The main reason of obstructive jaundice in hepatocellular carcinoma is bile duct invasion of tumor, tumor thrombus, blood clot of hemobilia and direct bile compression by tumor or metastatic lymph node. Although the tumor thrombi among them is difficult to think, prompt diagnosis and treatment should be done because the symptom and prognosis can be improved by removal of the tumor thrombus. We experienced a case of hepatocellular carcinoma patient associated with obstructive jaundice caused by tumor thrombus after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The tumor thrombus was removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and confirmed as degenerated hepatocellular carcinoma cell. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2009;38:299-302)

• Keywords: Tumor thrombus, Obstructive jaundice, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)