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A case of alpha-fetoprotein-producing esophageal adenocarcinoma
- Source :
- The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences; February 2013, Vol. 29 Issue: 2 p106-110, 5p
- Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Alpha-fetoprotein is a well-known tumor marker in the screening and follow-up of hepatocellular carcinoma. In Taiwanese society, a high prevalence of hepatitis and hepatoma and elevation of alpha-fetoprotein associated with liver function impairment usually suggested clinics undertake further examination for liver or genital tumor. We report the case of 45-year-old man who was found to have an alpha-fetoprotein-producing esophageal adenocarcinoma with an initial presentation of liver function impairment and rapid elevation of alpha-fetoprotein. Esophageal cancer was diagnosed via endoscope and a biopsy proved the presence of adenocarcinoma. A small endoscopic biopsy specimen failed to identify the alpha-fetoprotein positive tumor cell. Esophagectomy was performed and histopathological study of surgical specimen revealed grade II adenocarcinoma with regional metastatic lymphadenopathy. Immunohistochemical study was focal positive for alpha-fetoprotein. Serum alpha-fetoprotein declined transiently after esophagectomy and fluctuation of alpha-fetoprotein level was noted during the treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy. Finally, 19 months after the operation, the patient died due to multiple organ metastases with multiple organ failure. Thus, a small specimen for upper endoscopy may not be sufficient in the presence of alpha-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma. Monitoring of serum alpha-fetoprotein may be useful in the evaluation and follow-up of esophageal alpha-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1607551X
- Volume :
- 29
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs29400159
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjms.2012.08.018