[Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the liver. Surprising findings in dysontogenetic liver cysts].
METHODS
A 60-year-old woman presented with intermittent fever and pain in the right upper abdomen. The patient had spent the last 30 years in the Middle East and Africa.


RESULTS
Multiple hepatic lesions with cystic parts were demonstrated sonographically. Ecchinococcosis as well as amoebiasis had been excluded. Laboratory findings showed elevated levels of inflammatory parameters, lactate dehydrogenase (4107 U/l), squamous cell carcinoma antigen and CA -125. The liver enzymes were found to be within the normal range.


METHODS
A squamous cell carcinoma was detected by liver biopsy. The search for a possible primary site elsewhere in the body yielded negative results, so that the tumor must be regarded as primary in the liver.


METHODS
Because of the diffuse tumour growth surgical resection was impossible. The patient underwent chemotherapy. She died 9 month after the squamous cell carcinoma had been diagnosed.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report and a medline research indicate that hepatic neoplasms sometimes must be suspected in patients with liver cysts.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents