A unique case of alpha-fetoprotein-negative hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach with associated signet ring cell histological features and linitis plastica

Authors

Thomas Adam Wichelmann, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Komal Patel, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Abdullah Malas, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Edward James, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Wichelmann TA, Patel K, Malas A, James E. A Unique Case of Alpha-Fetoprotein-Negative Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach With Associated Signet Ring Cell Histological Features and Linitis Plastica. Cureus. 2020;12(12):e11908. Published 2020 Dec 4. doi:10.7759/cureus.11908

Affiliations

Internal Medicine, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Oncology, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Abstract

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS), a rare and unique histological subtype of gastric cancer, accounts for less than 1.5% of all gastric cancers. Historically, this subtype is found to have a poor prognosis in comparison to other types of gastric cancer. While the diagnosis is made based on pathological findings, most cases described in the literature are associated with elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. We present a case of AFP-negative HAS with additional unique pathologic findings of signet ring cells which has been reported only once in the literature. Given the rare and late presentation of the disease, AFP-negative HAS should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with suspicion for gastric cancer.

Document Type

Article

PubMed ID

33415058