Primary carcinoid tumor of the bilateral testis associated with carcinoid syndrome

Int J Urol. 2004 Nov;11(11):1041-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2004.00925.x.

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors derived from neuroendocrine cells can release serotonin and other vasoactive substances into the systemic circulation, resulting in carcinoid syndrome. Testicular carcinoid, a rare disease accounting for less than 1% of all testicular neoplasms, rarely manifests symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. We describe a case of carcinoid syndrome arising from a primary testicular carcinoid tumor. A 21-year-old male patient presented with facial flushing and diarrhea for 5 years. He had an enlarged left testis and a 1-cm, ill-defined, hard, non-tender mass in his right testis. His 24 h urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid was elevated (16.1 mg/day). Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy correlated with carcinoid tumor in both testes. Following bilateral orchiectomy, the patient's facial flushing and diarrhea disappeared.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / surgery
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / urine
  • Male
  • Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / etiology*
  • Orchiectomy
  • Testicular Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / surgery

Substances

  • Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid