alpha-Fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma of the pancreas presenting focal hepatoid differentiation

Int J Pancreatol. 1999 Aug;26(1):43-7. doi: 10.1385/IJGC:26:1:43.

Abstract

We report a rare case of pancreatic carcinoma producing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), showing focal hepatoid differentiation in metastatic lymph nodes. A 65-yr-old female was admitted because of abdominal pain. The serum AFP was measured at 16,170 ng/mL. Radiological examinations revealed a mass measuring 6 cm in diameter in the body and tail of the pancreas. A right supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was found and biopsied. Light microscopy showed a tumor consisting of a portion of a hepatoid area and well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, which was suggestive of a hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor cells expressed AFP, alpha 1-antitrypsin (AT) and albumin. Although the pathological diagnosis of the primary pancreatic tumor was not obtained, this appears to be the first case of hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism*
  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins