ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN-PRODUCING (HEPATOID) CARCINOMA OF THE FALLOPIAN-TUBE

This report describes a case of cu-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing carcino ma of the fallopian tube, The patient was a 52-year-old woman who pres ented with an abnormally high serum level of AFP. A left adnexal mass was discovered in the subsequent close examination, Hysterectomy and a dnexectomy revealed a 3 x 3 x 4-cm tumor in the fimbriae of the left t ube. Histologically and immunohistochemically, the tumor was diagnosed as an AFP-producing (hepatoid) carcinoma arising in the fallopian tub e. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such a tumor appearin g in the tube. This case supports the view that hepatoid cells may als o arise from the mullerian epithelium. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.