Alpha-fetoprotein producing undifferentiated carcinoma of the bladder.
We report on a rare primary undifferentiated carcinoma of the bladder producing alpha-fetoprotein in a woman. Definitive features included an aggressive, invasive and rapidly growing tumor with a hepatoid carcinomatous lesion on histological examination. Histopathological findings suggested that the multipotent transitional cell induces production of alpha-fetoprotein. The association of an aggressive tumor with the ability to produce this antigen suggests a possible benefit in measuring serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and examining histological sections for its expression in primary undifferentiated carcinoma of the bladder. Further study may indicate radical cystectomy when the resected specimen produces alpha-fetoprotein, particularly if tumors appear to be aggressive and highly vascularized as in our case.
Yamada
K
K
Department of Urology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Fujioka
Y
Y
Ebihara
Y
Y
Kiriyama
I
I
Suzuki
H
H
Akimoto
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins