Metastatic splenic α-fetoprotein-producing adenocarcinoma: report of a case

Solitary carcinomatous metastases to the spleen are rare, and the presence of solitary splenic metastasis of hepatoid adenocarcinomas (HAC) has not yet been reported. We herein present the case of a 54-year-old male patient who developed a metastatic tumor to the spleen with enhanced levels of serum α-fetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The patient underwent a gastrectomy due to adenocarcinoma of the stomach 5 years previously. The tumor was diagnosed on the grounds of histopathology and immunohistochemical staining after splenectomy. The pathology slides showed both adenocarcinoma and hepatoid structures. α-Fetoprotein antibody staining was positive in the tumor, suggesting hepatoid characteristics. After the operation, the patient recovered well and had no signs of recurrence at a follow-up examination after 9 months. Together with this case, several aspects of the disease are discussed after a review of the current literature.