J Korean Surg Soc.  2000 Nov;59(5):693-698.

Alpha-Fetoprotein Producing Rectal Cancer: A case report

• Baik SH
• Kim NK
• Min JS
• Kim TS

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.

Keyword

Colorectal carcinoma; Alpha-fetoprotein

MeSH Terms

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
alpha-Fetoproteins