Large-cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung with Carcinoid Syndrome

Abstract

A 76-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for refractory diarrhea with a poor antidiarrheal effect. Chest and abdominal computed tomography revealed a 24×22-mm mass in the left upper lobe of lung and multiple masses in the liver. Urine 5-Hydroxy indol acetic acid was markedly elevated. A liver biopsy revealed large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with serotonin production, suggestive of a lung origin, and a lung biopsy revealed combined large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, we made a definitive diagnosis of carcinoid syndrome caused by large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung. Although chemotherapy was performed after diagnosis, the patient died 50 days postadmission.

Advances in combined neuroendocrine carcinoma of lung cancer

“…The pathology analysis of the lung biopsy demonstrated combined LCNC and squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor area tested negative for TTF-1 but positive for cytokeratin14 (CK14) and P40 [ 42 ]. Despite receiving chemotherapy following the diagnosis, the patient died 50 days after hospital admission due to her deteriorating physical condition.…”