Serous papillary adenocarcinoma probably arising from epithelial inclusions of the hepatic hilar lymph node

Abstract

Only three cases of serous adenocarcinoma arising from Mullerian epithelial inclusions of the lymph node have been reported. Herein reported is a case of serous papillary adenocarcinoma arising probably from epithelial (Mullerian) inclusions of the hepatic hilar lymph node. A 73-year-old woman presented with peripheral neuropathy, which was thought to be a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with visceral malignancy. Total body examination, including X-P, US, CT, MRI, PET, and upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy was done. As the results, only lymph node swelling was detected in the hepatic hilus. Tumor was not identified in other sites. The physicians considered malignant lymphoma, and laparotomic excision of the hepatic hilar mass was performed. Cytological examination of abdominal cavity washing revealed no malignant cells. Grossly, the mass was firm and white and measured 4 × 5 × 5 cm. Microscopically, the mass showed carcinoma cells arranged in papillary and tubular patterns. The appearances strongly resembled serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the ovary. Lymph node structures were noted in some peripheral areas. No benign epithelial inclusions were recognized. Immunohistochemically, the carcinoma cells were positive for ER, PgR, CA125, WT1, p53. They were negative for TTF-1 and CDX-2. Because the positive ER, PgR, CA125, WT1, p53 and p16 are indicative of gynecologic malignancy, simple hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed, which showed no abnormalities. Cytological examination of abdominal cavity washing fluid revealed no malignant cells. The patient was treated by paclitaxel and carboplatin, and is now alive without metastasis 2 years after the first manifestation. The author reported a case of serous papillary adenocarcinoma arising probably from epithelial (Mullerian) inclusions of the hepatic hilar lymph node.