Alpha-fetoprotein producing rhabdomyosarcoma of the adult liver.

An autopsy case of a rare primary tumor in a 76-year-old man is described. The tumor is histologically comprised of rhabdomyoblasts massively infiltrating without any epithelial elements referable to be as hepatoma. There was no evidence that regarded the hepatic tumor as metastatic secondary tumor in histological examination of other organs. Furthermore, interesting was the production of alpha-fetoprotein from the tumor cells that was detected by immunofluorescent antibody technique. Review of the literature on primary liver rhabdomyosarcomas or adult hepatoblastomas shows no similar case.