Progress and current perspectives of diagnosis and treatment of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach

Abstract Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS) is a rare malignant gastric tumor exhibiting both hepatocellular and adenocarcinomatous differentiation. Patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and their clinical symptoms closely resemble those of gastric adenocarcinoma. Because of its rarity, misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses are prevalent. Compared with gastric adenocarcinoma, HAS typically exhibits higher invasiveness and a more unfavorable prognosis. This review aimed to elaborate on the pathological features, potential mechanisms, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and prognosis of HAS. The insights provided aimed to contribute robust guidance for the clinical management of patients with HAS.