A splenic cyst and a high serum CA 19-9: a case report

A 22-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a palpable mass in the left upper quadrant. He had a history of blunt abdominal trauma. Computer tomography showed a large splenic cyst. Another finding was a markedly elevated concentration of the tumor marker CA 19-9 in his serum and cystic fluid. After surgical removal of the cyst this concentration decreased to a nearly normal level. Because no cellular lining of the cyst was found at histological examination, the cyst could have been regarded as 'false' or a 'pseudocyst'. However, since several cases of epithelial splenic cysts in combination with a high serum CA 19-9 have been described recently, our diagnosis was of an epithelial 'true' cyst. We assume that, for some reason, in primary splenic cysts, the thin cellular lining can be released before histological examination is performed.     

Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas associated with elevated CA 19-9 levels

An extremely rare case of a lymphoepithelial cyst associated with persistent elevation of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 levels is described. A 72-year-old man was incidentally found to have a cystic tumor in the uncus of the pancreas and to have a high serum CA 19-9 level. At 2-year follow up, the tumor size had gradually increased and the high CA 19-9 level persisted. Because the malignant potential of the tumor could not be ruled out, a laparotomy was performed. The tumor was excised from the pancreas. On pathological examination, the tumor was proven to be a lymphoepithelial cyst. After the operation, the patient’s serum CA 19-9 level decreased to the normal range. Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are a rare, benign entity. They are true pancreatic cysts, characterized by a mature, keratinizing, squamous lining surrounded by lymphoid tissue. Because the treatment options and the prognosis of these entities are quite different from those of other cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, preoperative differential diagnosis is the main issue. Thus, although they are rare, lymphoepithelial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic tumors of the pancreas.     

Giant epithelial cyst of the accessory spleen

Splenic cysts are uncommon, and cysts derived from the accessory spleen are rare. We report a case of a huge splenic cyst derived from the accessory spleen in the omentum, concomitant with multiple epithelial cysts of the primary spleen. Both serum and cystic fluid concentrations of carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 were markedly elevated. A huge monolocular cyst occupied the entire abdomen. A total of 7?l of aspirated cystic fluid was turbid and yellowish-brown. The cyst wall, which consisted of CA19-9-positive squamous epithelium, contained approximately 2 × 3 × 1?cm of splenic tissue. There was a separate multicystic 16 × 8-cm spleen in the normal position. The CA19-9 serum level returned to normal postoperatively.     

Carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 is extremely elevated in polycystic liver disease

Background/Aims: Carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) is used as a biomarker to differentiate benign from malignant gastrointestinal disorders. We examined the value of CA19‐9 measurement in polycystic livers after observing high CA19‐9 cyst fluid levels in a benign polycystic liver case. Methods: We determined CA19‐9 levels in serum (n=120) and hepatic cyst fluid (n=81), from patients with polycystic livers (n=109) and simple hepatic cysts (n=24). Further, we analysed CA19‐9 expression in normal and polycystic liver tissue (n=17). Results: Cyst fluid CA19‐9 levels from both polycystic livers and simple hepatic cysts were extremely high (median 91 000 U/ml, range 14–15 870 000 U/ml; median 85 000 U/ml, range 332–1 744 000 U/ml respectively). Serum CA19‐9 levels were significantly higher in polycystic liver patients (median 30 U/ml, range 0–1200 U/ml) compared with patients with simple hepatic cysts (median 10 U/ml, range 3–200 U/ml, P=0.0011). Serum CA19‐9 levels correlated with those in cyst fluid (r=0.3979, P=0.0399), polycystic liver volume (r=0.3870, P=0.0025) and the size of the largest cyst (simple cysts group; r=0.5319, P=0.0280). Cyst epithelia showed strong CA19‐9 expression. Evacuation of cyst fluid in four patients resulted in a dramatic decrease in the serum CA19‐9 levels (60–95%). Conclusions: CA19‐9 levels are high in the cyst fluid and serum of polycystic liver disease patients due to production and secretion by cyst epithelia. It does not reflect malignancy in these patients and may be of value as a biomarker for intervention efficiency assessment.     

Epidermoid cyst of the intrapancreatic accessory spleen producing CA19‐9

We report a rare case of an epidermoid cyst in an accessory spleen at the pancreatic tail with producing CA19‐9. A 55‐year‐old female was admitted to our hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, for close examination of a cystic lesion at the pancreatic tail and a high serum CA19‐9‐value (176 U/mL). There were almost no abdominal symptoms related to the cystic lesion. A cystic tumor approximately 3 cm in diameter and composed of multilocular cysts without a protruding portion of the inner surface was found at the pancreatic tail by ultrasound sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography revealed that the main pancreatic duct shifted at the pancreatic tail and there was no communication between the main pancreatic duct and cystic lesion. Based on a preoperative diagnosis of mucinous cystic tumor, distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. Histological ?ndings suggested an epidermoid cyst (3.5 × 3.0 cm) originating from an intrapancreatic accessory spleen. Immunohistochemical analysis of CA19‐9 in the epidermoid cyst showed clear staining of the inner epithelium of the cyst and amorphous or hyalinous cystic contents. The serum CA19‐9 value was con?rmed to decline to normal 2 months after resection. Physicians should not forget this disease during differential diagnosis related to pancreatic cystic lesions with elevated levels of serum tumor markers, such as CA19‐9 or carcinoembryonic antigen, although this disease is extremely rare.     

Determination of tumor marker levels in cystic fluid of benign liver cysts

The levels of tumor markers in cystic fluid and serum were measured in six patients with benign biliary cyst of the liver. AFP in the cystic fluid was lower than the upper normal limit for serum in all cases, and CEA in the cystic fluid was higher than the upper normal limit for serum in one of the six cases. CA19-9, DU-PAN 2, and SPAN 1 in cystic fluid were much higher than the upper normal limit for serum in all cases (more than 100-fold for CA19-9, twofold for DU-PAN 2, and ninefold for SPAN 1). CA19-9, DU-PAN 2, and SPAN 1 in cystic fluid were significantly higher than the levels in the corresponding serum. Positive immunohistochemical staining against CA19-9, DU-PAN 2, and SPAN 1 was observed in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the cyst wall. These results suggested that the high concentrations of CA19-9, DU-PAN 2, and SPAN 1 in the cystic fluid were due to secretion from the epithelial cells in the benign biliary cysts.     

Giant biliary mucinous cystadenoma of the liver

Biliary mucinous cystadenomas (BMC) of the liver are rare benign cystic tumors, however an estimated 20% undergo malignant transformation. They have recently been redefined as mucinous cystic neoplasms in the 2010 WHO classification. The preferred treatment is through radical resection, as there are high recurrence rates with other treatment modalities; however this is often not possible in patients with bilobar or giant cysts, and liver transplantation may be indicated. We present a patient with a giant biliary mucinous cystadenoma of the liver and discuss the management with reference to the literature. A 47 year-old woman presented with a 6-week history of moderate epigastric discomfort on a background of 12 months of symptom-free abdominal distension. A giant cystic bilobar tumor of the liver measuring 22 × 23 × 17 cm was diagnosed and characterised by ultrasound scan and magnetic resonance imaging. Serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase were elevated, though other laboratory data including tumor markers (CEA, aFP, CA19-9) were within normal limits. Total excision of the cyst was not possible due to its size and position, and the patient underwent cyst drainage, a sub-total cyst excision and omentoplasty. Histology confirmed a benign biliary mucinous cystadenoma with an ovarian stroma. Though the patient remained clinically well, routine post-operative computed tomography (CT) surveillance showed an 11 cm recurrent cyst at 6 months. A partial cyst resection with close follow-up, regular CA19-9 serology and ultrasound/CT imaging, may be a reasonable alternative for bilobar or giant cysts. However should any features pathognomonic of malignancy develop, then a liver transplantation is indicated.     

Two cases of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma with elevated CA 19-9 levels in the cystic fluid in comparison with two cases of pancreatic cystadenoma

A 39-year-old woman was hospitalized with left hypochondralgia. Ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography showed a cystic mass in the tail of the pancreas. Echo-guided aspiration of the cyst was performed, and a markedly elevated CA 19-9 level in the cystic fluid was found. A surgical operation was performed, and the tumor was radically resected. The pathologic diagnosis was papillary adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Another case of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma also had an extremely high cystic CA 19-9 level, whereas two cases with benign pancreatic cysts had very low cystic CA 19-9 levels. Moreover, positive localization of CA 19-9 in the cancerous tissue was clearly demonstrated by an immunohistochemical technique, indicating active secretion of CA 19-9 into the cyst, while CA 19-9 in the tissue of pancreatic cystadenoma was almost non-existent. Measurement of the CA 19-9 level in the cystic fluid might therefore be a valuable additional aid in the diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas.     

Mucinous biliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma: Expressions of CA 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen in serum and cystic fluid

a case of mucinous biliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma (CMS tumor) in a 64-year-old woman is reported. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain and a palpable mass in the upper abdomen. Computed tomography and abdominal sonography showed characteristic multilocular cysts in the left lobe of the liver. Serum CA 19-9 was elevated to 108 U/ml with normal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. The levels of CA 19-9 and CEA in the cystic fluid were high at 7430 U/ml and 576ng/ml, respectively. The serum CA 19-9 returned to 35 U/ml 4 weeks after tumor resection. These corresponding findings of both tumor markers in the serum and cystic fluid imply that (1) CA 19-9 and CEA both exist in the epithelial component of CMS tumors as evidenced by immunohistochemical stain, (2) serum CA 19-9 is a valuable marker in the diagnosis and monitoring of CMS, and (3) in cystic fluid, there are more significantly high levels of CA 19-9 in CMS compared with levels in simple cyst and polycystic liver disease. Therefore, measurement of CA 19-9 in cystic fluid and serum may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of hepatic cystic lesions.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration in diagnosis of cystic pancreatic lesions

Background and study aimspancreatic cysts are commonly found lesions and proper diagnosis is very important for planning further management. The study aims to evaluate the role of cyst fluid amylase and tumour markers as cancer antigen (CA 19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in addition to mucin stain in diagnosing pancreatic cysts and differentiating malignant from benign lesions.Patients and methodsThis prospective study was conducted on 184 patients diagnosed to have pancreatic cystic lesions from January 2013 to January 2018. Fluid analysis for CA 19-9, CEA, amylase, mucin stain and cytopathology were done. We compared these data with the final diagnosis based on histopathology after surgical resection, positive cytopathology and long period of follow up of the patients for at least 18 months.ResultsThe highest AUC was that of cystic CEA with cut-off value of 160 ng/ml; it had a sensitivity of 60.4% and a specificity of 85%. The best cut-off value for cystic CA 19-9 was 1318 U/ml with a sensitivity of 64.1% and a specificity of 68.1%. The cut-off value of cyst amylase level was 5500 U/L, with 84.2% sensitivity and 37.1% specificity. The sensitivity of mucin stain in detecting mucinous cystic neoplasm was 85.45%, specificity was 86.05% with accuracy 85.87%.ConclusionCyst fluid analysis by investigating amylase, mucin, CA 19-9, CEA and EUS examination improves the diagnosis of different pancreatic cysts.     

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst mimicking neoplasm

We describe a ciliated hepatic foregut cyst that was clinically considered neoplastic because it was large, bilocular, and associated with a high serological level of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). Histologically, the wall of the cyst showed characteristic pseudopapillae lined by ciliated stratified columnar epithelium with interspersed goblet cells and underlying smooth muscle. The epithelium was strongly immunoreactive for CA 19-9. We therefore conclude that large size, multilocularity, and elevated CA 19-9 do not exclude ciliated hepatic foregut cysts from diagnostic consideration.     

Serum and cystic fluid CA 19–9 determinations as a diagnostic help in liver cysts of uncertain nature

Abstract: The distinction between hepatobiliary cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma and simple hepatic cyst complicated by intracystic hemorrhage may prove difficult to determine on the sole basis of clinical and radiological features because of the presence of intracystic structures and septations well-demonstrated by ultrasound examination in both situations. We investigated four patients with various types of hepatic cysts, in whom diagnostic difficulties led to further investigations. In this small group, CA 19–9 serum levels were abnormal only in the two patients with cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. Cystic fluid CA 19–9 values were also five times higher in cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma than in other benign lesions. Our data thus suggest that the determination of serum and cyst fluid CA 19–9 may be of help in distinguishing between hemorrhagic simple cyst and cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma.     

Cystadenoma of the liver with high levels of ACE and CA 19-9 in the cyst

The development of a cystadenocarcinoma from previously benign cystadenoma is controversial. Neither clinical nor biological factors have been described to explain this transformation. High levels of serum and cystic CEA and CA 19-9 seem to help in the diagnosis of cystadenoma but not cystadenocarcinoma. Definitive histological evaluation is the only means to discriminate malignant from benign cysts. We report a case of cystadenoma of the liver with very high cystic levels and normal serum levels of CEA and CA 19-9.     

Effect of percutaneous biliary drainage on serum levels of tumor markers in patients with obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Some tumor markers such as CA 19-9 are shown to be increased in obstructive jaundice due to either benign or malignant causes. In this study the clinical importance of raised serum levels of tumor markers have been evaluated, with particular reference to obstructive jaundice and percutaneous biliary drainage. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a prospective longitudinal before-after trial. Twenty-one patients with obstructive jaundice were investigated, 5 with benign obstruction and 16 with malignant disease. All patients were examined with abdominal CT prior to biliary drainage. All patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, and 20 of 21 patients underwent percutaneous biliary drainage within 3 days after the CT examination. RESULTS: The mean CA 19-9 at presentation was lower in the group with benign disease (95 +/- 60.9 IU/mL) than those with malignancy (461.9 +/- 331.4 IU/mL). The mean CA 19-9 level in the benign group 1 week after drainage was 12 +/- 11.8 IU/mL. The mean CA 19-9 level in the malignant group after drainage was 249.7 +/- 279.5 IU/mL. CONCLUSIONS: A prominently high serum CA 19-9 level at the presentation and a high serum CA 19-9 level after successful biliary drainage should prompt investigation for a malignant etiology of obstructive jaundice.     

Macrocystic form of serous pancreatic cystadenoma

OBJECTIVES: Macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas are benign lesions with sometimes difficult diagnostic issues. We aimed to describe clinicopathological and imaging features with cyst fluid analysis in a series of patients undergoing surgery for macrocystic serous cystadenoma. METHODS: Eight patients underwent pancreatic resection for a macrocystic lesion of the pancreas diagnosed on ultrasonography or CT. Endoscopic ultrasonography and preoperative fine-needle aspiration were performed in seven patients. Immunohistochemical analysis of the surgical specimen with antibodies to carcinoembryonic-antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor antibodies was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Patients included seven women and one man, with a mean age of 48 yr. Lesions were incidentally discovered on ultrasonography in six patients and had a mean size of 3 cm (range, 1.5-5 cm). Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed millimetric cysts in three cases. In the seven aspirated cysts, cytological analysis was non-contributive, but biochemical analysis showed low content of CEA (< 5 ng/ml) and CA72.4 (< 40U/ml) in all but two. At histology, cysts were lined by clear cuboidal cells. They focally expressed CA19-9 but were negative for anti-CEA, antiestrogen receptor, and antiprogesterone receptor antibodies. Microscopic cysts in the wall of the lesions were demonstrated in five cases. CONCLUSIONS: Macrocystic serous cystadenoma is a particular variant of pancreatic serous cystadenoma. Endoscopic ultrasonography may be useful in detecting peripherally located millimetric cysts in unilocular lesions, and measurement of enzymes and tumor markers in cyst fluid may also contribute to the diagnosis showing low concentrations.     

Infected hepatic cyst

We describe an unusual case involving an infected hepatic cyst. An 88-year-old woman presented with acute onset of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, mild left lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. On admission, computed tomography revealed multiple hepatic cysts including an 8-cm cyst located in the left medial segment of the liver, which demonstrated a thickened wall enhanced with contrast media. Ultrasonography showed an 8-cm hypoechoic lesion which differed in appearance from the other, anechoic hepatic cysts. The serum concentration of C-reactive protein was 29.8 mg/dL; white blood cell count, 12,800/microL; CA19-9, 96 U/mL; and CEA, 2.2 ng/mL. Diagnosis of infected hepatic cyst was made by percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the cyst. Milky fluid was obtained and the patient's right upper quadrant abdominal pain resolved after drainage. The cyst fluid CA19-9 concentration was 18,000 U/mL. Cytology of the cyst fluid was negative. Serum CA19-9 (41 U/mL) and CEA (1.8 ng/mL) concentrations were improved 1 week after drainage. Escherichia coli was cultured from the drainage fluid. The patient was discharged 27 days after admission. Percutaneous transhepatic drainage is effective in the treatment of infected hepatic cysts.     

CA 19-9 in patients with benign pulmonary diseases

Although serum CA 19-9 is considered to be a useful and specific tumor marker for pancreatic cancer, some patients with benign pulmonary diseases show elevated serum CA 19-9 levels. We measured serum CA 19-9 levels of 156 patients with benign pulmonary diseases (55 with asbestosis, 11 with bronchial asthma, 32 with bronchiectasis, 16 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 13 with healed pulmonary tuberculosis (HPT) and 29 other benign diseases). The percentage of patients with positive serum CA 19-9 was 42.3% (14.5% in asbestosis, 27.3% in bronchial asthma, 59.4% in bronchiectasis, 81.3% in IPF, 61.5% in HPT and 51.7% in others). In some patients, serum CA 19-9 levels were as high as those found in malignant gastrointestinal diseases. Serum CA 19-9 levels correlated well with disease activity. Immunohistochemically, CA 19-9 was expressed in mucous cells of the bronchial gland and surface of the bronchiolar surface epithelium cells in benign pulmonary disease. Gel filtration study suggested some difference in molecular weight between the serum CA 19-9 antigen of lung cancer and that of benign pulmonary diseases. It is suggested that serum CA 19-9 increases in the case of hyperplasia of the bronchiolar epithelium cells or the mucous cells of the bronchial gland. We conclude that benign pulmonary disease is one of the factors that affect serum CA 19-9 levels.     

Role of cystic fluid in diagnosis of the pancreatic cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early and accurate diagnosis of cystic neoplasm of the pancreas is difficult especially for the differentiation of benign or malignancy. In this study, we try to compare EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy combined with measurement of the cyst fluid and serum levels of CEA, and CA19-9 for the preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cystadenoma or cystadenocarcinoma. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 37 patients with pancreatic cystadenoma and 48 patients with cystadenocarcinoma from 1998 to 2005. RESULTS: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CA19-9 of the cyst fluid and serum combined with EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy was made. Examination of serum CEA, and CA19-9 resulted in 21.0+/-18.0, 2.7+/-1.7 U/L and 18.7+/-17.5, 269.0+/-182.0 U/L for cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma respectively (P<0.05). The sensitivity of cyst fluid combined with biopsy was higher than that of a single marker. However, the sensitivity and specificity of tumor markers of cystic fluid were much higher than that of the serum (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy combined with examination of cyst fluid level of CEA and CA19-9 will be a credible means for early diagnosis of pancreatic cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma.     

血清 CA19-9 水平在良性胆管疾病患者中的临床意义

背景: CA19-9是临床常用的肿瘤标记物,对胰胆系恶性肿瘤的阳性率较高,但良性胆管疾病中亦常见CA19-9水平升高。目的: 分析血清CA19-9水平在良性胆管疾病患者中的临床意义。方法: 选取2004年10月～2009年5月北京军区总医院的78例经ERCP证实的良性胆管疾病患者(60例胆总管结石和18例胆总管炎性狭窄)。所有患者于ERCP术前行血清CA19-9水平检测,并分析其在良性胆管疾病中的临床意义。结果: 39例(50.0%)患者血清CA19-9水平正常,其中胆总管结石26例(66.7%)。其余39例(50.0%)患者血清CA19-9水平升高,其中胆总管结石34例(87.2%);4例血清CA19-9水平1000U/ml者的年龄均65岁,并合并有严重化脓性梗阻性胆管炎或重症急性胰腺炎。16例血清CA19-9升高者于ERCP术后行复查,多数患者血清CA19-9水平明显下降。结论: 良性胆管疾病患者中血清CA19-9水平可升高,可作为预测胆管炎症程度的指标,尤其是在老年患者中。     

Utility of serum CA19-9 in diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma： In comparison with CEA

AIM:The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma is often difficult,making management approaches problematic. A reliable serum marker for cholangiocarcinoma would be a useful diagnostic test. The aims of our study were to evaluate the usefulness of a serum CA19-9 determination in the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.METHODS: We prospectively measured serum CA19-9 and CEA concentrations in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (n=35), benign biliary diseases (n=92), and healthy individuals (n=15). Serum CA19-9 and CEA concentrations were measured by an immunoradiometric assay without knowledge of the clinical diagnosis.RESULTS:The sensitivity of a CA19-9 value&gt;37KU&#183;L^-1 and a CEA value &gt;22μg&#183;L^-1 in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma were 77.14% and 68.57%, respectively. When compared with the benign biliary diseases group,the true negative rates of serum CA19-9 and CEA were 84.78% and 81.52%,respectively. The false positive rates of serum CA19-9 and CEA were 15.22% and 18.48%, whereas the accuracy of serum CA19-9 and CEA were 82.68% and 77.95%,respectively. Serum CA19-9 and CEA concentrations were significantly elevated (P&lt;0.001 and P&lt;0.05) in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (290.31&#177;5.34KU&#183;L^-1 and 36.46&#177;18.03μg&#183;L^-1) compared with patients with benign biliary diseases (13.38&#177;2.59KU&#183;L^-1 and 13.84&#177;3.85μg&#183;L^-1) and healthy individuals (12.78&#177;3.69KU&#183;L^-1 and 11.48&#177;3.37μg&#183;L^-1). In 15 patients undergoing curative resection of cholangiocarcinoma,the mean serum CA19-9 concentration was decreased from a preoperative level of 286.41&#177;4.36KU&#183;L^-1 to a postoperative level of 62.01&#177;17.43KU&#183;L^-1 (P&lt;0.001), and the mean serum CEA concentration from 39.41&#177;24.35μg&#183;L^-1 to 28.69&#177;11.03μg&#183;L6-1(P&lt;0.05). In patients with cholangiocarcinoma,however, no correlation was found between serum CEA and CA19-9 concentrations (r=-0.036).CONCLUSION:These data suggest that the serum CA19-9 determination is a useful addition to the available tests for the differential diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Serum CA19-9 is an effective tumor marker in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma,deciding whether the tumor has been radically resected and monitoring effect of treatment.