PTHrP-producing tumor: Squamous cell carcinoma of the liver accompanied by humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, increased IL-6 and leukocytosis

Abstract

A 77-year-old man was admitted to our hospital showing symptoms of general fatigue and appetite loss. He had leukocytosis, thrombocytosis and hypercalcemia with elevated serum levels of parathyroid hormone related peptide (PTHrP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). An increase in tumor markers SCC and CYFURA21-1 was observed. The liver contained a huge tumor, which was proved to be PTHrP producing squamous cell carcinoma by immuno-histochemical analysis. Since the tumor did not express IL-6, it was assumed to be induced by PTHrP in osteoblasts. This is the first report of PTHrP producing squamous cell carcinoma of the liver.