Alpha-Fetoprotein Producing Rectal Cancer: A case report.
- Author:
Seung Hyuk BAIK
1
;
Nam Kyu KIM
;
Jin Sik MIN
;
Tai Seung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Colorectal carcinoma;
Alpha-fetoprotein
- MeSH:
Adenocarcinoma;
Adult;
alpha-Fetoproteins*;
Colorectal Neoplasms;
Female;
Follow-Up Studies;
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage;
Humans;
Neoplasm Metastasis;
Prognosis;
Rectal Neoplasms*;
Rectum;
Recurrence;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed;
Ulcer
- From:Journal of the Korean Surgical Society
2000;59(5):693-698
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
We experienced a case of a 38 year old women in whom an alpha-fetoprotein producing carcinoma originated in the rectum. The patient had symptoms of hematochezia and bowel habit change, and a rectal examination revealed an ulcerative mass at the midrectum. The mass size was 6.5 cm 6 cm. The serum alpha-fetoprotein measured preoperatively was 9336 ng/ml, and the serum (carcinoembryonic antigen) was 6.4 ng/ml. The serum level of alpha-fetoprotein decreased to 830 ng/ml thirteen days after a low anterior resection. The tumor mass was a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Using an immunohistochemical staining method, we detected alpha-fetoprotein producing cells in the tumor mass. During the follow up, the serum alpha-fetoprotein level began to increase continuously, and an abdomin opelvic CT scan showed a systemic, local tumor recurrence. Based on our experience with this patient and a review of the literature on the few cases previously reported, it seems that alpha-fetoprotein producing colorectal carcinamas have a tendency to produce frequent blood-borne metastasis and are associated with a poor prognosis.
