Hepatoid variant of pancreatic cancer: insights from a case and literature review.

CONTEXT

"Hepatoid" cancer refers to an extrahepatic neoplasm with hepatocellular differentiation. The stomach is the most common site and pancreatic origin is distinctly uncommon.

CASE REPORT

We describe a patient with hepatoid pancreatic tumor who presented with inoperable metastatic disease.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels or tissue staining with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) may not be a reliable tumor marker in these cases and an experienced pathologist and appropriate immunohistochemical staining are essential for early diagnosis. This report incorporates a comprehensive literature review outlining the clinical presentation, diagnostic difficulties, management and outcomes associated with this rare pathological entity.