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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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Modeling the Early Steps of Ovarian Cancer Dissemination in an Organotypic Culture of the Human Peritoneal Cavity
Published on: December 31, 2015
Diffuse hepatoid adenocarcinoma in the peritoneal cavity
Hiroshi Kitamura1, Kazuki Ikeda, Toyohiko Honda
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kawara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|November 2, 2006
Summary
Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC), a rare gastrointestinal tumor, can present primarily in the peritoneum. This case highlights a unique diffuse HAC presentation with high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare neoplasm typically found in the gastrointestinal tract.
- HAC is characterized by histological features resembling hepatocellular carcinoma and often associated with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Observation:
- A 68-year-old male presented with severe ascites and markedly elevated serum and ascitic alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple nodular lesions exclusively within the peritoneal cavity.
- Laparoscopic and histological examinations confirmed a diagnosis of diffuse hepatoid adenocarcinoma originating in the peritoneum.
Findings:
- This represents the first documented case of diffuse hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) arising primarily within the peritoneum.
- The patient's clinical presentation included severe ascites and significantly elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) presentation, emphasizing the peritoneum as a potential primary site.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and optimal management strategies for peritoneal hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC).
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