KRT19 and hepatocellular carcinoma: In conclusion, our study showed that (1) CK19 expression in primary liver tumor is an indicator of HCC invasiveness including LNM and non-encapsulation, (2) CK19 expression in metastatic LN of primary HCC iss associated with an extremely poor outcome after operation, and (3) CK19 immunohistochemical staining of primary liver tumor and regional LN should be performed after hepatic resection to determine LN status and to predict outcome.