Alpha-fetoprotein-producing pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma.

Abstract

A 47-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B had progressive elevated alpha-fetoprotein of 2 years' duration. A pancreatic tail tumor, instead of liver tumor, was detected. He underwent elective distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy and the pathology turned out to be acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Serum level of alpha-fetoprotein returned to normal soon after surgery. No cancer recurrence was noted after 3 years of follow-up. Alpha-fetoprotein is commonly used as a tumor marker to screen for hepatocellular carcinoma in high-risk patients. However, elevated alpha-fetoprotein could occur in a much rarer disease, acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas.

• Authors: Yang-Chao Lin, Po-Huang Lee, Yu-Tung Yao, Jong-Kai Hsiao, Jin-Chuan Sheu, Chien-Hung Chen
• Journal: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi (J Formos Med Assoc) Vol. 106 Issue 8 Pg. 669-72 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 0929-6646 [Print] Singapore
• PMID: 17711801 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• alpha-Fetoproteins

Topics

• Carcinoma, Acinar Cell (metabolism)
• Hepatitis B, Chronic (complications)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pancreatic Neoplasms (metabolism)
• alpha-Fetoproteins (biosynthesis)