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Metastatic Breast Cancer Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Differences in Noninvasive Guidelines

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Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), unlike most solid tumors, can be diagnosed noninvasively. We present a case that highlights an important clinical difference between two established guidelines: National Cancer Comprehensive Network (NCCN) and Barcelona-2000 EASL Conference (European Association for the Study of the Liver). Our patient had a large liver mass extending into the right atrium with elevation of the alpha-fetoprotein to 1,130 ng/mL. The radiographic and laboratory evidence is sufficient using NCCN guidelines to initiate palliative treatment for HCC. The Barcelona-2000 EASL Conference guideline for noninvasive diagnosis is restricted to cirrhotic patients. Our patient did not have a history of chronic liver disease or active hepatitis, and a biopsy was performed that demonstrated breast cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Anna H. Bartram, John Lee Villano & Dean M. Ferrera

  2. Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S. Wolcott Ave. Rm. 3133 (M/C 734), Chicago, IL, 60612, USA

    John Lee Villano

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  1. Anna H. Bartram
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  2. John Lee Villano
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  3. Dean M. Ferrera
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Correspondence to John Lee Villano.

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Bartram, A.H., Villano, J.L. & Ferrera, D.M. Metastatic Breast Cancer Mimicking Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Differences in Noninvasive Guidelines. J Gastrointest Canc 41, 145–148 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12029-009-9129-0

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