An unexpected finding of hepatic lymphoma after emergent cholecystectomy.

Herein we describe a case report of a patient with elevated liver enzymes, leukocytosis, anemia and fevers after cholecystectomy surgery done for presumed acute cholecystitis. Numerous post-surgical tests showed no acute surgical complications to account for the laboratory abnormalities. Due to systemic symptoms of joint pain and the chronicity of the symptoms, a liver biopsy was recommended by the gastroenterology service to rule out infectious or auto-immune causes.

Serum tumor markers.

Monoclonal antibodies are used to detect serum antigens associated with specific malignancies. These tumor markers are most useful for monitoring response to therapy and detecting early relapse. With the exception of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), tumor markers do not have sufficient sensitivity or specificity for use in screening.