De novo calcification of liver and nodal metastases in prostate carcinoma

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2006;9(4):448-51. doi: 10.1038/sj.pcan.4500875. Epub 2006 May 9.

Abstract

Prostate cancer has a distinctly recognized pattern of metastases: multifocal and osteoblastic lesions involving the axial skeleton and non-calcified lymph nodes in the pelvic and lumbar aortic groups. Most adenocarcinomas are capable of producing macrocalcification. We report a case of prostate cancer with de novo calcified metastases to the liver and retroperitoneal lymph nodes mimicking the pattern usually seen in mucin-producing adenocarcinomas arising from the gastrointestinal tract. To our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported in the literature. We propose a multifactorial mechanism that supports dystrophic calcification in this case. The knowledge of atypical presentation of metastatic disease can prevent diagnostic delay and prompt initiation of therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / secondary
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
  • Calcinosis / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor