Immunohistochemical and affinity electrophoretic studies of alpha-fetoprotein of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma in the intrathoracic space.

Immunohistochemical and affinity electrophoretic studies were carried out on alpha-fetoprotein components produced by a tumor of hepatocellular origin located on the chest wall and originating from the intrathoracic and extrapleural space tissue. The major components of alpha-fetoprotein were consistent with those produced by the hepatocellular carcinoma. Accordingly, this seems to be the first reported case of hepatocellular carcinoma that may have developed from accessory liver tissue seemingly isolated from the liver and located in the intrathoracic space.