Case Report Open Access
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World J Clin Cases. Mar 26, 2020; 8(6): 1116-1128
Published online Mar 26, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i6.1116
Hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas: A case report and review of the literature
Shao-Xiong Zeng, Si-Wei Tan, Christ-Jonathan Tsia Hin Fong, Ke Liu, Jia-Xiang Guo, Jin Tao, Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
Qiong Liang, Department of Pathology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
Bin-Liang Zhao, Department of Radiology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
ORCID number: Shao-Xiong Zeng (0000-0002-7358-986X); Si-Wei Tan (0000-0002-2414-0011); Christ-Jonathan Tsia Hin Fong (0000-0002-0489-342X); Qiong Liang (0000-0001-9567-9121); Bin-Liang Zhao (0000-0002-9021-6168); Ke Liu (0000-0002-9365-6484); Jia-Xiang Guo (0000-0001-7721-9850); Jin Tao (0000-0002-4027-0852).
Author contributions: Zeng SX and Tao J were the patient’s gastroenterologists; Liang Q performed the pathological diagnosis and contributed to manuscript drafting; Zhao BL performed the radiological diagnosis and contributed to manuscript drafting; Zeng SX, Tan SW, Fong CJTH, Liu K and Guo JX reviewed the literature and contributed to manuscript drafting; Zeng SX, Tan SW, Fong CJTH and Tao J were responsible for the revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content; All authors issued final approval for the version to be submitted.
Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China, No. 81800458; the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, No. 2016A020216014; and the Basic Research Program of Young Teachers’ Training Project of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 17ykpy52.
Informed consent statement: The patient and his legal guardian provided informed written consent during the treatment.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Jin Tao, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Doctor, Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China. taojin3@mail.sysu.edu.cn
Received: December 21, 2019
Peer-review started: December 21, 2019
First decision: January 12, 2020
Revised: February 16, 2020
Accepted: February 28, 2020
Article in press: February 28, 2020
Published online: March 26, 2020
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Abstract
BACKGROUND

Hepatoid carcinoma (HC) is an extremely rare neoplasm that is morphologically similar to hepatocellular carcinoma. HC has been described in various organs; however, HC of the pancreas is extremely rare. To our knowledge, only 38 cases have been reported. We present a case of HC of the pancreas in a 36-year-old male patient.

CASE SUMMARY

A 36-year-old cachexic man with no significant past medical history was transferred to our hospital with a history of painless jaundice, elevated blood glucose and significant weight loss. Lab tests showed elevated serum transaminases, bilirubin and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen showed a diffusely enlarged pancreas, appearing “sausage-shaped”. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed upstream ductal dilation secondary to stricture of the main pancreatic duct and the common bile duct, which were not visible. Immunohistochemistry of biopsied tissue from a percutaneous pancreatic biopsy showed tumor cell positivity for HepPar1, polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen and CK19, suggestive of HC of the pancreas. The characteristics of 39 patients with HC of the pancreas were reviewed.

CONCLUSION

HC of the pancreas is more prevalent in males, and patients have a median age of 57 years. It is most commonly asymptomatic or presents as abdominal back pain, and the pancreatic tail is the most common location. At the time of diagnosis, liver metastasis is often present.

Key Words: Hepatoid carcinoma; Pancreas; Case report; Review

Core tip: Hepatoid carcinoma (HC) of the pancreas is an uncommon tumor with unknown characteristics. To date, there is a lack of definitive criteria for identification, and no defined treatment strategy for patients with HC of the pancreas. This study reviews 39 cases with an emphasis on diagnostic criteria and outcome management. The possibility of HC of the pancreas should be considered for diffuse lesions throughout the pancreas.



INTRODUCTION

Hepatoid carcinoma (HC) is a primary rare tumor that grows outside the liver with similar serological, morphological and immunohistochemistry features to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). First described by Ishikura et al[1] in 1985 in the stomach, where it is most commonly found, HC may involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract[2-5], lungs[6], and genitourinary tract[7-10]. HC of the pancreas is extremely rare. The clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of HC of the pancreas have yet to be clearly studied because of its rarity and the limited number of case reports in the literature. In this paper, we present a case of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas in a 36-year-old cachexic male patient with painless jaundice, elevated blood glucose and weight loss, as well as a review of the current literature focusing on clinical presentation, management and prognosis.

CASE PRESENTATION
Chief complaints

Painless jaundice and emaciation for the past 2 mo.

History of present illness

A 36-year-old man was transferred to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University with a recent history of painless jaundice, elevated blood glucose and a weight loss of approximately 10 kg for the past 2 mo with no complaints of diarrhea or vomiting.

History of past illnesses

The patient’s past medical and surgical histories were nonsignificant. He was previously diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis in another institution and had no response to steroid treatment.

Personal and family history

He had a 10 pack-year history of smoking. He denied any other specific personal or family history of other diseases.

Physical examination upon admission

The patient appeared cachexic and was mildly jaundiced. A nontender epigastric mass of approximately 5 cm was palpable, with a soft nondistended abdomen and normal bowel sounds.

Laboratory examinations

Laboratory tests showed a normal white blood cell count (9.32 × 10E9 cells/L), mild anemia (118 g/L) and an elevated platelet count (476 × 10E9 cells/L). Liver function tests showed elevated transaminases (ALT 97 U/L and AST 46 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (377 U/L), gamma-GT (337 U/L), total bilirubin (107.6 µmol/L), direct bilirubin (77.64 µmol/L), indirect bilirubin (30.2 µmol/L) and a mild decrease in albumin (31.8 g/L). Autoimmune antibodies such as ANA and rheumatoid factor were negative, and IgG4 (0.333 g/L), amylase and lipase levels were normal; the tumor marker panel showed elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (475.6 ng/mL) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (77.1 U/mL) but normal serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (2.2 µg/L) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (15.94 U/mL). Markers for hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus serology were negative.

Imaging examinations

Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen showed a diffusely enlarged pancreas, appearing “sausage-shaped”, with loss of pancreatic lobular structure; the lesion was isointense to hypointense on the T1-weighted image, isointense to hyperintense on the T2-weighted image, and had a mixed signal on DWI, with central necrosis. In addition, there was a distinct hyperintense rim surrounding the mass, which demonstrated delayed enhancement and a capsule appearance. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed upstream ductal dilation secondary to strictures of the main pancreatic duct and common bile duct, which were not visible (Figure 1).

Figure 1
Figure 1 Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient. Magnetic resonance imaging of the upper abdomen shows a diffusely enlarged pancreas, appearing “sausage-shaped”, with loss of pancreatic lobular structure. A: The lesion was isointense to hypointense in the fat-suppressed T1-weighted image; B: The lesion was isointense to hyperintense in the fat-suppressed T2-weighted image; C and D: Central necrosis (see thick arrow) was seen during the contrast-enhanced delayed phase and mixed signal intensity on DWI; E: In addition, there is a distinct hyperintense rim (see the thin arrow) that demonstrated delayed enhancement and a capsule appearance; F: Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed upstream dilation of the proximal common bile duct and intrahepatic biliary ducts secondary to strictures of the main pancreatic duct and distal common duct.
Further diagnostic work-up

A percutaneous pancreatic biopsy was performed under ultrasound guidance.

Pathological examination

Histopathological analysis revealed heteromorphic neoplastic cells arranged in glandular, nested or striped patterns. Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cell positivity for HepPar1 (a hepatocyte-specific antigen), polyclonal CEA and CK19 (Figure 2). The morphological and immunohistochemistry features were suggestive of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas.

Figure 2
Figure 2 Pathological presentation of the patient. A: Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed heteromorphic neoplastic cells arranged in glandular, nested or striped patterns (magnification: × 200; scale bar: 20 μm); B: Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cell positivity for CK19 (magnification: × 100; scale bar: 50 μm); C: Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cell positivity for polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (magnification: × 100; scale bar: 50 μm); D: Immunohistochemistry showed tumor cell positivity for HepPar1 (magnification: × 200; scale bar: 50 μm).
FINAL DIAGNOSIS

The final diagnosis of the presented case was hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas.

TREATMENT

The patient finally underwent exploratory laparotomy, during which a large mass of the whole pancreas, approximately 6 cm × 7 cm, was found invading the coeliac trunk, the root of the transverse mesocolon, and the upper mesojejunum. Therefore, no radical surgery was performed, and palliative jejunostomy and cholecystostomy were performed.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

At 4 mo after diagnosis and refusing palliative chemotherapy, the patient died of the disease.

DISCUSSION

HC was first described in 1987 by Hruban et al[11], and we report the 39th case of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas diagnosed based on morphological and immunohistochemical features. The demographics and clinical presentation of the 39 cases are summarized in Table 1[11-45]. From the review, we can establish a clear male predominance (69.3%). The ages of patients range from 21 years to 83 years, with a median age of 57 years. The sizes of tumors range from 1 cm to 12 cm, with a median size of 6 cm. HC of the pancreas can be divided into either pure HCC-like (61.54%) or mixed (38.46%) forms with other histological findings, such as neuroendocrine tumors (n = 9), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (n = 3), acinar cell carcinoma (n = 1) and microcytic cystadenoma (n = 2).

Table 1 Summary of clinical features of hepatoid carcinomas of the pancreas reported in the English language literature.
Ref.AgeSexClinical presentationSerum AFP levels at diagnosisSerum CEA levels at diagnosisLocationTumor size in cmAssociated componentSite of metasta-sisTreatmentClinical follow-up in mo
Hruban et al[11], 198753FSubcutaneous fat necrosis and polyarthritisNormalNot availableTail1Acinar cell carcinomaLiverChemotherapy (5-FU, Adriamycin)Died of disease (2.75)
Tanno et al[12], 199965FEpigastric and back pain, anorexia, and weight lossElevatedElevatedBodytail6 × 5Ductal adenocarcinomaLiver, right supraclavicular, and paraaortic lymph nodePalliative careDied of disease (6)
Yano et al[13], 199957MJaundice, epigastric pain, vomiting and feverElevatedElevatedHead9 × 7 ×5Ductal adenocarcinomaNoSurgery (pancreatoduodenectomy)Died of disease (3)
Paner et al[14], 200028MSevere abdominal and back painElevatedElevatedMultifocal8 × 8 × 6Ductal adenocarcinomaWidespread (gastric, ileal, and colonic mucosa)Debulking of the tumor plus chemotherapyDied of disease (14)
Paner et al[14], 200057MVomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, diffuse skin rashes and diabetes mellitusElevatedElevatedTail6 × 4 × 3.5Neuroendocrine neoplasms (glucagonoma)LiverSurgery (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy) plus chemotherapyDied of disease (102)
Lam et al[15], 200164FHypoglycemia and recurrent nocturnal sweatingElevatedNot availableTail7 × 4 × 4InsulinomaLiverDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomy plus regional embolization and systemic chemotherapyDied of disease (22)
Cuilliere et al[16], 200270MIncidental (asymptomatic)NormalNormalBody3Serous microcystic adenomaNoDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (12)
Hughes et al[17], 200451MIncidental findingNormalNormalTail6 × 5.5 × 5.5NoNoTotal pancreatectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (14)
Matsueda et al[18], 200649FWeight lossElevatedNormalWidespreadNot availableNoLiver (detected after 12 mo)Surgery (total pancreatectomy), chemotherapy (gemcitabine) and liver lobectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (48)
Shih et al[19], 200632MIncidental (asympto-matic)NormalElevatedTail7NoNoSurgery (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (18)
Oh et al[20], 200621MIncidental (asymptomatic)ElevatedNot availableHead3 × 3 × 3Neuroendocrine neoplasmNoSurgery (pancreatoduodenectomy)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (7)
Cardona et al[21], 200758MBack and flank painNormalNot availableBody3.3 × 2.5 × 2.5NoNoSurgery (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (15)
Kubota et al[22], 200756MDiabetesNot availableNot availableTail6.3 × 6.2NoNoSurgery (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (36)
Hameed et al[23], 200741FGastro-esophageal reflux, jaundice, and abdominal painElevatedElevatedHead4.5 × 4 × 3Neuroendocrine neoplasmLiverPancreaticoduodenectomy plus Chemotherapy with cisplatin and irinotecanDied of disease (27)
Liu et al[24], 200780MNausea, diarrhea weight loss and epigastric palpable massNormalNot availableHead5 × 5 × 6NoTransverse colonSimple tumorectomy and partial transverse colon resectionAlive with no evidence of recurrence (8)
Zhang et al[25], 200737FUpper abdominal pain, anorexia, and emaciationElevatedNot availableWidespread9Neuroendocrine neoplasmNoSurgery (pancreatoduodenectomy)Died of disease (3)
Jung et al[26], 201046MDyspepsia and epigastric palpable massElevatedElevatedHead8 × 9Neuroendocrine neoplasmNoRadical pancreatoduodenectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (4)
Petrelli et al[27], 201237FEpigastric abdominal massNot availableNormalBody11NoLiver, mediastinal lymph nodes, and lungsChemotherapy with sorafenibDied of disease (12)
Kelly et al[28], 201253FSevere epigastric painElevatedNot availableBodytailNot availableNoLiverDistal pancreatectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin and gemcitabine)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (22)
Kai et al[29], 201279FIncidental (asymptomatic)ElevatedElevatedTail7NoStomach, left adrenal gland, and liverDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, combined with resection of the left adrenal gland and total gastrectomyDied of disease (2)
Huang et al[30], 201252MJaundice, anorexia and epigastric painNot availableElevatedHead0.5 noduleNeuroendocrine tumorNoPancreaticoduodenectomy plus chemotherapy with sunitinibAlive with no evidence of recurrence (16)
Majumder et al[31], 201369MLeft upper quadrant pain, jaundice and nauseaNormalNot availableHead5.8 × 6.0NoLiverBiliary drainage plus chemotherapy with gemcitabineDied of disease (3)
Steen et al[32], 201361FIncidental (asymptomatic)NormalNot availableTail5.3 × 3.5NoNoDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (60)
Xin et al[33], 201433FIncidental (asymptomatic)ElevatedNormalHead2 × 1.4 × 1.8Neuroendocrine neoplasmNoPancreaticoduodenectomy plus chemotherapy with gemcitabineAlive with no evidence of recurrence (46)
Vanoli et al[34], 201557FJaundiceElevatedElevatedHead3.5 × 3 × 3NoNoPancreatoduodenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (10)
Soofi et al[35], 201569MAtypical chest painElevatedNormalBody and tail5.9NoNoDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (4)
Antonini et al[36], 201559MWeight loss and abdominal discomfortNormalNormalBody6 × 5NoNoChemotherapy with sorafenibDied of disease (4)
Kuo et al[37], 201567MIncidental (asymptomatic)NormalNormalTail2 × 2NoNoDistal pancreatectomy with spleen preservationAlive with no evidence of recurrence (6)
Veerankutty et al[38], 201547MIncidentalNot availableNormalTail3.1 × 2.9 × 2.6Serous cystadenomaNoDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (laparoscopic)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (8)
Williams et al[39], 201571MPancreatitis and melena (oozing ulcer at the ampulla)NormalNormalHead5NoDuodenal muscularis propriaPancreaticoduodenectomy and cholecystectomyNot available
Stamatova et al[40], 201678MIncidental (asymptomatic)NormalNormalHead8 × 6NoNoPancreaticoduodenectomyNo evidence of recurrence but died of heart attack (2)
Chang et al[41], 201661MIncidental (asymptomatic)Not availableNot availableBody and tail1.3NoNoDistal pancreatectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (6)
Akimoto et al[42], 201659MIncidental (asymptomatic)NormalNormalBody5.0 × 3.5NoNoMiddle pancreatectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (12)
Pellini Ferreira et al[43], 201743MJaundice, epigastric pain, and watery diarrheaNormalNormalTail9.0Neuroendocrine neoplasmSpleen and liverChemotherapy with capecitabine and temozolomideAlive with no evidence of recurrence (16)
Ma et al[44], 201775MWeight lossElevatedElevatedTail7.8NoLiverChemotherapy with mFOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + irinotecan + 5-fluorouracil) plus surgery (distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and wedge resection of the liver)Alive with no evidence of recurrence (10)
Yang et al[45], 201883MAbdominal painNot availableNot availableBody2.7 × 2.5 × 1.5NoNoLaparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and splenectomyAlive with no evidence of recurrence (107)
Yang et al[45], 201872MSevere back painNot availableNot availableTail12.0 × 10.5 × 4.5NoNoDistal pancreatectomy with splenectomyDied of pulmonary embolism (1)
Yang et al[45], 201854MIncidental (asymptomatic)ElevatedNormalBody and tail10.0 × 9.0 × 9.0NoAdjacent transverse colonDistal pancreatectomy along with splenectomy and left hemicolectomyDied of disease (29)
Our case36MProgressive jaundice, weight loss and epigastric palpable massElevatedNormalWidespread6.0 × 7.0NoCeliac trunk, root of transverse mesocolon, and upper mesojejunumPalliative careDied of disease (4)

Table 2 outlines the main clinical features of HC of the pancreas in the reported literature, with the most common tumor site being the pancreatic tail, accounting for most of the patients who are asymptomatic or complain of abdominal/back pain.

Table 2 Outline of main features characterizing presentation of the 39 cases of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas.
Variablen (%) or median (IQR)
Sex
Female12 (30.77)
Male27 (69.23)
Age in yr
Median (range)57 (21-83)
Symptoms
Asymptomatic13 (33.33)
Pain: Abdominal/back13 (33.33)
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, and dyspepsia9 (23.08)
Weight loss8 (20.51)
Jaundice7 (17.95)
Epigastric mass3 ( 7.69 )
Location
Tail13 (33.33)
Head11 (28.21)
Body6 (15.38)
Body and tail5 (12.82)
Diffuse or multifocal4 (10.26)
Size of longest diameter in cm
Median (range)6 ( 1-12 )
Metastasis17 (43.59)
Liver metastasis12 (30.77)
Associated component: Mixed form15 (38.46)
Elevated AFP18 (46.15)
Elevated CEA11 (28.21)

The pathogenesis of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas remains to be elucidated. Three theories have been proposed: The ectopic liver tissue theory, in which HC may originate from ectopic pancreatic liver tissue[21,22,46]; the pancreas-to-liver transdifferentiation theory, in which pancreatic cells can transdifferentiate into hepatocytes[47,48]; and the pancreatic multipotent/stem cell theory, in which the liver and pancreas share the same embryonic derivation - the foregut endoderm - and genes controlling hepatocytic differentiation that are normally suppressed in the pancreas may be activated during carcinogenesis[12,35].

There are currently no standard criteria to establish a diagnosis of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas. The differential diagnosis of HC of the pancreas includes HCC or combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma, metastatic hepatoid carcinoma and other primary pancreatic tumors with eosinophilic cell cytoplasms. Its diagnosis relies on typical morphological features and immunohistochemical staining. Histopathologically, HC consists of medium to large cords of polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic or clear cytoplasms with centrally located and vesicular nuclei in the sheet-like or trabecular portions. The presence of bile production is a more conclusive finding and is strong evidence of hepatocyte lineage differentiation[14,49]. For immunohistochemistry findings, the hepatoid carcinoma cells show positive staining for immunoreactivity with polyclonal antibodies against AFP, CEA, glypican-3, and HepPar1 (a hepatocyte-specific antigen), as well as albumin mRNA detection by in situ hybridization[14,20]. Cytokeratin 19 positivity plays an important role in differentiating hepatoid tumors from HCC[27]. HC of the pancreas with acinar differentiation should be tested with arginase-1 to exclude acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas, which also presents with AFP elevation. As seen in our review, serum AFP is often elevated at the time of diagnosis of HC of the pancreas (41.15%), and can be used to monitor therapeutic response and recurrence[13,15,18,24]. Serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II, a specific marker used for early diagnosis of HCC, was elevated in some cases, aiding in early diagnosis and indicative of better prognoses[18]. Serum CEA, which was elevated in 28.21% of cases, is a less sensitive diagnostic marker for hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas.

Due to its rarity, there is currently no standardized treatment for HC of the pancreas. Owing to its aggressive nature and tendency for early liver metastasis, HC of the pancreas warrants surgical resection, if possible. The effect of adjuvant therapy after surgery resection, advocated because of the metastatic potential of the tumor, is still unclear[43,44]. Survival was poor in patients treated with only chemotherapy compared to those treated with surgery and chemotherapy: 5 out of 6 patients treated with chemotherapy succumbed to the disease (after 2.75-14 mo), while 3 out of 9 patients treated with chemotherapy and surgery succumbed to the disease (after 22-102 mo). Variable survival rates of 3 locally unresectable, metastatic or recurrent cases treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy with mFOLFIRINOX, di-amino triazeno-imidazol carboxamide or gemcitabine have been reported in the literature, with one patient dying of the disease at 102 mo and two patients alive at 10 mo and 48 mo[14,18,44].

The prognosis of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas is unclear due to its rarity and possible heterogeneity. HCs of the gastrointestinal tract are associated with an unfavorable prognosis[50] since at the time of diagnosis, liver metastasis is often already present, indicating advanced stage[37]. Survival outcomes mainly depend upon the extent of the disease and the completeness of resection, with greater survival rates after resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, as depicted in Figure 3, with the longest disease-free interval being 107 mo[45]. Owing to the limited data, further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to standardize the treatment and to predict the natural history and prognosis of HC of the pancreas compared to those of the relatively more common gastric hepatoid carcinoma.

Figure 3
Figure 3 Outcomes of the 39 patients with hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas reported in the literature.

Our case was highly challenging due to the clinical presentation of the patient that was inconsistent with the imaging that suggested autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). AIP commonly presents with obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss. Type 1 AIP is associated with high serum levels of IgG4 (>  140 mg/dL), IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration, and sclerosis, while type 2 AIP is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease[51]. The patient may have been previously diagnosed with AIP due to the “sausage-shaped” appearance of the diffusely enlarged pancreas, the presence of a capsule-like rim and ductal stricture on imaging, and the lack of biopsy. Differentiating between AIP and pancreatic malignancy has become a diagnostic challenge for modern gastroenterologists because they often share overlapping clinical and imaging features. The poor response to steroid treatment prior to admission prompted reassessment of the diagnosis. The patient was cachexic, with recent onset of diabetes mellitus (DM), no sign of systemic involvement, negative autoantibodies, and non-elevated amylase and lipase, indicating malignancy. Type 3C DM, as reported in the literature, is difficult to control, requiring at least 1 IU/kg body weight of insulin[52]. The prevalence of DM in patients with pancreatic cancer has been reported to be 40%, with half developing DM within 2 years[53]. Interestingly, DM was reported in only 6 previously reported cases (two of which had an associated neuroendocrine component and increased glucagon levels; the length of DM history was not reported in the remaining 4 cases). In our case, it was attributed to pancreatic islet destruction resulting from advanced-stage hepatoid carcinoma with the absence of a neuroendocrine component on pathology.

CONCLUSION

In summary, this review attempts to summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of HC based on the current literature. HC of the pancreas is an extremely rare neoplasm that resembles HCC in terms of morphology and immunohistochemistry findings. Diagnosis is mainly based on histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Elevation of serum AFP and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II may be a clue leading to the diagnosis of this tumor. Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy and is more likely to result in long-term survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy has a role in recurrent, residual, unresectable and metastatic disease. Survival outcomes mainly depend upon the extent of the disease at diagnosis. The possibility of hepatoid carcinoma of the pancreas should be considered for diffuse lesions throughout the pancreas.

Footnotes

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Specialty type: Medicine, research and experimental

Country of origin: China

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