Shounak Majumder1, Constantin A Dasanu. 1. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Connecticut. Farmington, CT 06030, USA. smajumder@resident.uchc.edu
Abstract
CONTEXT: "Hepatoid" cancer refers to an extrahepatic neoplasm with hepatocellular differentiation. The stomach is the most common site and pancreatic origin is distinctly uncommon. CASE REPORT: We describe a patient with hepatoid pancreatic tumor who presented with inoperable metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: Serum levels or tissue staining with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may not be a reliable tumor marker in these cases and an experienced pathologist and appropriate immunohistochemical staining are essential for early diagnosis. This report incorporates a comprehensive literature review outlining the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, management and outcomes associated with this rare pathological entity.
CONTEXT: "Hepatoid" cancer refers to an extrahepatic neoplasm with hepatocellular differentiation. The stomach is the most common site and pancreatic origin is distinctly uncommon. CASE REPORT: We describe a patient with hepatoid pancreatic tumor who presented with inoperable metastatic disease. CONCLUSION: Serum levels or tissue staining with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may not be a reliable tumor marker in these cases and an experienced pathologist and appropriate immunohistochemical staining are essential for early diagnosis. This report incorporates a comprehensive literature review outlining the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, management and outcomes associated with this rare pathological entity.