HCC lesions were characterised by small cells with high nuclei/cytoplasmic ratio, a compact pattern without the trabecular formation and 2-3 cell thick plates, fat accumulation, a significant number of proliferative (Ki67+) cells, neo-vascularisation and disruption of tissue histoarchitecture as evidenced by CD34 staining, Collagen IV deposition and stroma invasion (SMA+ cells). The gene discussed is SMN1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.