Primary pure large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of ovary: An extremely rare entity
Keywords:
Immunohistochemistry, Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, Ovary, Primary
Abstract
Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of ovary is an uncommon neoplasm with an aggressive biological behaviour. These carcinomas usually occur in association with epithelial-sex cord tumours; pure form being a rarity which can pose a diagnostic difficulty. A 42 year old female presented with a large abdominal mass and pain. Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously enhancing solid left ovarian mass. Differential diagnoses on histopathology included large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, carcinoid tumour, hepatoid carcinoma and malignant steroid cell tumour, not otherwise specified (NOS). Positive neuroendocrine markers including CD56, chromogranin, and NSE facilitated a correct diagnosis of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Primary ovarian large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas are under-recognized aggressive tumours and must be considered as a differential in undifferentiated ovarian tumours. Histologic features and a panel of immunohistochemical stains should lead to the correct diagnosis.References
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3. OshitaT, Yamazaki T, Akimoto Y, Tanimoto H, Nagai N, Mitao M et al.Clinical features of ovar-ian large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: Four case reports and review of the literature. Exp Ther Med 2011; 2: 1083-90.
4. Dundr P, Fischerová D, Povýsil C, Cibula D. Primary pure large-cell neuroendocrine carci-noma of the ovary. Pathol Res Pract 2008; 204: 133-7.
5. Behnam K, Kabus D, Behnam M. Primary ovar-ian undifferentiated non-small cellcarcinoma, neuroendocrine type. Gynecol Oncol 2004; 92: 372–5.
6. Lindboe CF. Large cell neuroendocrine carci-noma of the ovary. APMIS 2007; 115: 169-176.
7. Eichhorn JH, Lawrence WD, Young RH, Scully RH. Ovarian neuro¬endocrine carcinomas of non-small-cell type associated with surface epi-thelial adenocarcinomas. A study of five cases and review of the literature. Int J Gynecol Pathol 1996; 15: 303-314.
8. Young RH, Oliva E, Scully RE. Small cell carci-noma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. Am J SurgPathol 1994;18:1102–16.
Published
2014-01-28
Issue
Section
Case Report
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