Elevated alpha-fetoprotein in benign/borderline liver masses in children

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this retrospective study is to share the data of the patients with high alpha-fetoprotein and benign/borderline liver mass with literature. METHODS Between 2006 and 2012, 5 of our patients were diagnosed with benign/borderline liver mass in connection with high alphafetoprotein. RESULTS During the diagnostic procedure, alpha-fetoprotein values of our patients were varying between 123-4905 U/L. While one of the patients diagnosed with hemangioendothelioma was transferred for liver transplantation, the other passed away during the early stages under steroid treatment. After observing malign cells in tissue biopsy, chemotherapy was started for the patient diagnosed with mesenchymal hamartoma and the mass was removed completely. It is currently being monitored and is free of any diseases. Patients, who were diagnosed with hemangioma and focal nodular hyperplasia, were monitored without receiving any treatment. CONCLUSION Since it is possible to observe high alpha-fetoprotein in nonmalign liver masses, tissue diagnosis must be confirmed before starting treatment.