Aggressive undifferentiated colon carcinoma producing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor: report of a case

Surg Today. 2009;39(11):990-3. doi: 10.1007/s00595-008-3941-1. Epub 2009 Nov 1.

Abstract

We report a rare case of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing undifferentiated carcinoma of the ascending colon. A 52-year-old Japanese man presented with a rapidly growing, aggressive abdominal tumor, and severe leukocytosis (63 000/mm(3)). The serum level of G-CSF was remarkably elevated to 640 pg/ml (normal, <18.1 pg/ml). The patient underwent palliative cytoreductive surgery for ascending colon carcinoma with lymph node and liver metastases. Histological examination revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma of the ascending colon. The tumor cells were positive for G-CSF on immunohistochemical staining. The leukocyte counts and G-CSF level decreased after surgery. Thus, we diagnosed G-CSF-producing colon carcinoma. His general condition deteriorated rapidly and he died of residual tumor growth on postoperative day 24.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma / surgery
  • Colectomy / methods
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Colonoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor