Supra-elevated CA 19-9 in a benign hepatic cystadenoma

Background Elevated CA 19‐9 may be found in both cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas of the liver. Case outline A 59‐year‐old woman presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, malaise and weight loss. Physical examination and laboratory evaluation revealed a mass in the right upper quadrant and a CA 19‐9 level of 68 661 U/ml. CT scan demonstrated a cystic liver mass. She underwent a right hepatectomy, and her CA 19‐9 returned to normal. Pathologic analysis revealed no malignancy. Discussion In hepatic cystic neoplasms, an elevated CA 19‐9 should not be used to establish the diagnosis of malignancy nor should it preclude resection.