Characterization of a single liver cystic mass: a metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx

Introduction: Liver cystic metastases (LCM) from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are exceedingly rare. Case presentation: This case report presents a 42-year-old man with a solitary liver cystic lesion, initially mimicking benign or infectious etiologies. Despite extensive radiological workup, the diagnosis remained elusive. Ultimately, a percutaneous biopsy revealed metastatic, non-keratinizing SCC, with the primary tumor subsequently identified in the pterygopalatine fossa. Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by solitary LCM, emphasizing the importance of considering rare malignancies in the differential diagnosis. Although imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging are valuable, definitive diagnosis often requires histopathological confirmation. This case underscores the need for a high index of suspicion for SCC as a potential primary tumor in patients with unexplained liver cystic lesions.