Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the tongue

J Cancer Res Ther. 2015 Jul-Sep;11(3):659. doi: 10.4103/0973-1482.139395.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine carcinoma usually originates from lung. Few data exist in the literature regarding neuroendocrine carcinoma of the tongue. Patient data including history, surgical procedure, histology, and radiology investigations were collected and summarized. A 40-year-old woman was referred after partial glossectomy. Squamous mucosa with neoplasm and cells with round nuclei and light cytoplasm was reported in the tongue biopsy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was positive for cytokeratin, neuron specific enolase, synaptophysin and chromogranin and negative for leukocyte common antigen. This case showed a high proliferative activity (Ki-67 labeling index were 60%). These IHC findings were in favor of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. After surgery, she received chemotherapy and chemoradiation. The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors in the present case is based on immunohistochemical markers and cellular shapes. Postoperative chemoradiotherapy is a critical element of therapy for head and neck high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, our patient received this treatment after surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / therapy
  • Chemoradiotherapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Radiography
  • Tongue / pathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome