Table 1 HCC macroscopic classification recommended by the LCSGJ and KLCA
Gross subtypes according to the LCSGJ (as described by Kanai et al and Hui et al) | |
 Type 1: single nodular (SN) | Single oval or round-shaped nodule with clear boundary |
 Type 2: single nodular with extra-nodular growth (SNEG) | Similar to type 1, but exhibiting varying degrees of extra-nodular growth |
 Type 3: confluent multinodular (CMN) | Lobulated tumor comprising clusters of smaller, confluent nodules |
 Type 4: poorly-demarcated or infiltrative | Tumors with irregular shape and unclear border |
Gross subtypes according to the KLCA (according to Jang apud Lee et al) | |
 Vaguely nodular (VN) | Nodule with indistinct margins. This subtype is usually restricted to early tumors (< 3.0 cm) |
 Expanding nodular (EN) | Circumscribed nodule with well defined margin |
 Multinodular confluent (MC) | Clusters of small, confluent nodules forming a uniform tumor |
 Nodular with peri-nodular extension (NP) | Similar to the EN subtype, but showing small extra-nodular cancer growth (inferior to 50% of the tumor circumference) |
 Infiltrative (INF) | Tumors with extensive extra-nodular growth (superior to 50% of the tumor circumference) |