Ultrastructural Findings in a Well-Differentiated Hepatoma

The fine structure of a well-differentiated hepatoma, removed from the liver of a 28-year-old female, was investigated. In the neoplastic liver cells all the organelles were easily recognized. Striking changes were seen in the mitochondria, consisting of polymorphism and increased matrical density. Bizarre-shaped giant mitochondria were formed, containing paracrystalline inclusionsin their internal compartment. The genesis of mitochondrial abnormalities is discussed.