A chemical worker with 20 years of vinyl chloride exposure develops a hepatic mass. Biopsy shows malignant endothelial cells forming irregular vascular channels. Which cancer is this exposure most classically associated with?

• A Hepatocellular carcinoma
• B Hepatic adenoma
• C Cholangiocarcinoma
• D Hepatic angiosarcoma ✓

Explanation

Vinyl chloride is a well-established carcinogen strongly linked to hepatic angiosarcoma, a tumor of endothelial origin. Thorium dioxide and arsenic are also associated with this malignancy. Hepatocellular carcinoma is linked to hepatitis D/C and aflatoxin. Cholangiocarcinoma is associated with liver fluke infection. Hepatic adenoma is associated with oral contraceptives.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.