Unusual Presentation of a Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumor With Elevated CEA and CA 19-9: A Case Report

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are rare malignancies, which may have unique presentations. The diagnostic process predominantly relies on immunohistochemical analysis. While tumor markers are extensively utilized in diagnosing and monitoring GI malignancies, their specific role in NETs has not been fully explored. This case describes an 83-year-old male presenting with jaundice and general weakness. Diagnostic imaging through MRI and CT angiography (CTA) revealed a nodular texture on the liver's surface suggesting cirrhosis. The presence of elevated tumor markers, specifically carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), raised suspicions of malignancy. A subsequent liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of small-cell high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma accompanied by reactive fibrosis. As per our knowledge, this case is the first recorded instance of a liver neuroendocrine tumor (NET) exhibiting elevated levels of both CEA and CA 19-9, with no abnormalities detected in the gallbladder, biliary tree, and bowel in the MRI with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and CTA. This is an atypical presentation of a liver NET, mimicking cirrhotic liver morphology, and underscores the potential diagnostic relevance of tumor markers CEA and CA 19-9 in such cases.

New Insights for Consummate Diagnosis and Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Using Reactive and Reparative Fibrotic Parameter Derived Algorithm

Objective

Reproducibility of qualitative changes in histopathological diagnosis involving narrow variation is often challenging. This study aims to characterize the histological fibrotic events in detail so as to derive an in-depth multiparametric algorithm with individually quantified histological parameters for effective monitoring of the. disease process in oral submucous fibrosis and for potential therapeutic targets for early intervention.

Methods

Formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) blocks of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), were taken and sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin stain and Masson Trichrome stain. Photomicrographs were assessed for various morphometric parameters with Image J software version 1.8. Linear Regression was used to model the relationship using Inflammatory Cell Count, Extent of Inflammation collagen stained area, Epithelial thickness integrated density of collagen, MVPA, Area, Perimeter, were taken as variables.

Result

Inflammatory cell count and the extent of inflammation also decreased with increasing grades of OSMF. Collagen proportionate area, integrated collagen density and epithelial thickness were compared among different grades of OSMF. Grade IV OSMF had greatest mean collagen proportionate area , highest integrated collagen density and lowest epithelial thickness when compared to other grades of OSMF. Linear regression model revealed smaller variation between Grade I to Grade II. Whereas Grade II to Grade IV exhibited larger variation suggestive of increased growth rate and all the coefficients were found to lie within 95% confidence limits.

Conclusion

Diagnostic algorithm with multiparametric regression model were derived and combinatorial therapeutic approaches have been suggested for more effective management of oral submucous fibrosis.