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...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of urology Vol. 152; no. 3; p. 958
Main Authors Yamada, K, Fujioka, Y, Ebihara, Y, Kiriyama, I, Suzuki, H, Akimoto, M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.09.1994
Subjects
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
alpha-Fetoproteins - biosynthesis
Carcinoma - metabolism
Carcinoma - pathology
Female
Humans
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - metabolism
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - pathology
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary: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.
ISSN:0022-5347
DOI:10.1016/S0022-5347(17)32623-X