Carcinoma adenoides cysticum as a primary neoplasm most probably derived from biliary ducts--case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a typical tumor of large and small salivary glands and sometimes of the breast. The aim of this report is presentation of a case of primary liver cancer with adenoid cystic cancer histology in 21-year old female patient. The tumor was discovered accidentally during pregnancy. The patient did not complain of any ailments. In biochemical tests only slightly elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and GGT concentrations were observed. No focal lesions in other organs were found in imaging examinations. Huge tumor of 30-cm diameter was found during surgery, encompassing almost whole left and right lobe of the liver. The biopsy taken from the tumor revealed histological picture typical for adenoid cystic carcinoma. Additional stainings and immunohistochemical examinations pointed to biliary ducts as possible place of origin of the neoplasm.

Among primary liver tumours of atypical clinical course the possibility of adenoid cystic carcinoma, deriving most probably from the biliary ducts, should be considered.