Hepatocellular carcinoma has a variable macroscopic appearance.
This particular hepatocellular carcinoma grew as a predominantly solitary mass occupying most of the right lobe of the liver of a 69 year old white male. The tumor is predominantly tan-brown but you will notice focal areas of yellow necrosis as well as dark red areas of hemorrhage. The junction of tumor and normal liver is seen to better advantage at higher power. The hepatic parenchyma at the edge of the tumor is compressed, giving the false impression that the carcinoma is encapsulated.