Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein in a patient with undifferentiated carcinoma of the gall bladder. Issue 11 (November 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ng, W K; Ng, W F
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 48:Issue 11(1995)
• Page Start: 1061
• Page End: 1063
• Publication Date: 1995-11
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.48.11.1061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : An uncommon case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the gall bladder in a 65 year old Chinese man, who presented with an increased serum alpha-fetoprotein concentration, is reported. Histologically, the tumour had a primitive appearance and was composed of a pavement-like array of poorly differentiated columnar/polygonal cells. Alpha-fetoprotein was demonstrated in some of the tumour cells using an immunoperoxidase technique. Alpha-fetoprotein secretion in this instance may have occurred because the gall bladder and the liver are of similar embryological origin. Alpha-fetoprotein may also be related to the resurgent expression of oncofetal antigens. This tumour may represent another rare cause of increased serum alpha-fetoprotein concentrations.