AUTHOR=Cai Hao , Hei Zhenyu , Liu Guanghua , Zhao Feng , Wang Chunfeng , Guan Wenbin , Ren Gang , Zhou Qing , Dong Yi , Wang Ying , Gong Wei , Chen Litian 

TITLE=Abrupt elevation of tumor marker levels in a huge splenic epidermoid cyst, a case report

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2024.1415225

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2024.1415225

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Epidermoid cyst of the spleen is a rare disease and relatively few cases were reported by literatures. Most published case reports provided inadequate information on the impact of splenic epidermoid cyst on tumor markers. A 32years old woman with a giant splenic epidermoid cyst was reported, for whom, serum concentration of a collection of tumor markers (CA19-9, CEA, CA125, CA242 and CA50) increased abruptly accompanied with left upper abdominal pain for 5 days. After comprehensive pre-operative examination and multidisciplinary team discussion, we ruled out any concurrent malignancy and a laparoscopic total splenectomy was performed, during which the splenic cyst spontaneously ruptured unexpectedly. After surgery, the elevated serum tumor marker levels decreased sharply until reaching normal range 3 month later. Learning from the case, we conclude that interval monitoring of serum tumor markers is of critical value for patients with splenic epidermoid cyst. Abrupt elevation of tumor marker levels and abdominal pain may serve as a sign of cyst rupture, which is strongly indicative of surgical intervention as soon as possible. Total removal of the splenic cyst is strongly suggested considering the recurrence and malignant potential of the splenic epidermoid cyst.