Very high alpha-fetoprotein in a young man due to concomitant presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma and Sertoli cell testis tumor

Abstract

Studies reported that there is a close relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and testis carcinoma. Both tumors can be presented as synchronal tumors, or as testicular metastases of HCC or as hepatic metastases of testicular tumor( [7] ). HCC is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the incidence of HCC increases with age( [8] ). The relationship between hepatitis B incidence and HCC rates is also well recognized. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is produced by 70% of HCC. Though a level of AFP >400 ng/mL is diagnostic for HCC, in the presence of active hepatitis B infection, the cut-off level should be considered to be at least 1 000-4 000 ng/mL. Like HCC, germ cell tumors of the testis also release AFP; but it is shown that some of Sertoli cell tumors of testis can also release AFP( [10] ). Herein we have reported about the first case of HCC in the literature which is presented concomitantly with Sertoli-Leydig tumor of testis, leading to extremely high level of AFP in a 21-year-old man.