Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer with a High Serum alpha-Fetoprotein Level: Report of a Case

Korean J Hepatol > Volume 12(4); 2006 > Article

The Korean Journal of Hepatology 2006;12(4): 562-567.

Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer with a High Serum alpha-Fetoprotein Level: Report of a Case

Min An, M.D., Jeong A Shin, M.D., Sang-Min Lee, M.D., Tak Yoon, M.D.1, Weon Seo Park, M.D.2, Joon Il Choi, M.D., and Chang-Min Kim, M.D.

Center for Liver Cancer, Center for Colorectal Cancer1, Center for Specific Organs Center2, National Cancer Center, Goyang Korea

ABSTRACT

We report herein a case of 72-year-old woman in whom liver metastasis of colon cancer was presented with a marked elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level. She was transferred to our hospital for multiple liver masses found on ultrasonogram. Abdominal computed tomogram revealed multiple low-density masses in the liver and wall thickening of the hepatic flexure of colon. The serum AFP level was 10,718.8 ng/mL. Colonoscopic findings of ulcerofungating mass suggested liver metastasis from colon cancer. However, the possibility of combined hepatocellular carcinoma could not be ruled out due to serum AFP elevation. Both colon and liver biopsies revealed moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Using an immunohistochemical staining, the adenocarcinoma in liver showed focal positive to AFP, but not in colon. This case represents a very rare case of colon cancer with a marked elevation of serum AFP. (Korean J Hepatol 2006;12:562-567)

KeyWords: alpha-Fetoprotein; Colon cancer; Liver metastasis; Neoplasm metastasis