Atypical carcinoid with prominent mucinous stroma: a hitherto unreported variant of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor

Endocr Pathol. 2010 Jun;21(2):120-4. doi: 10.1007/s12022-010-9115-x.

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors of the lung may show several growth patterns and cell types. We report here a previously undescribed case of primary pulmonary atypical carcinoid with prominent mucinous stroma, an exceedingly rare variant of carcinoid tumor so far reported only in the thymus. The tumor was discovered in a 50-year-old, non-smoker woman, and pursued an aggressive behavior. The lack of TTF-1 expression and the positive staining with hormonal receptors made the diagnosis very challenging. Differential diagnosis with other primary and metastatic mucin-rich tumors is also discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carcinoid Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Mucus / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pneumonectomy

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor