Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mediastinum

Abstract

A mediastinal mass was found in a 37 year old male who presented with fever, weight loss and fatigue. The chest CT revealed a 9x6x4 cm well circumscribed mass located paratrachaelly in the upper mid-mediastinum. The mass was removed by right thoracotomy. Macroscopically the tumor weighed 195 g and measured 9x6x4 cm. Microscopically the tumor consisted of small blue cells in solid and trabecular pattern. Immunohistochemical studies performed for differential diagnosis of small blue cell tumors. The tumor was diagnosed as primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mediastinum. This case is presented for its rare recurrence in that particular location.

Cushing's syndrome due to atypical carcinoid of the mediastinum

“…Mediastinal NETs may originate from neuroendocrine elements within the thymus (most frequently), from aorticopulmonary and paravertebral paragangliomas, from misplaced embryonal structures within the mediastinum, and from ectopic or supernumerary parathyroid glands [ 4 , 6 , 7 ]. However, the origin, nomenclature and classification of mediastinal NETs have been the source of much controversy in the literature.…”

Is this dyspnea because of coronary artery disease? A rare case report of primary neuroendocrine tumor in anterior mediastinum

“…NETs may originate from neuroendocrine elements within the thymus (most frequently), from misplaced embryonal structures and even from parathyroid glands. [5][6][7] Thymic NETs as in our presented case are the least common of all NETs. 8 Clinically patients with NETs may be asymptomatic or manifest local symptoms due to the compression of mediastinal structures, or systemic symptoms due to the tumor capacity to produce hormones or cytokines.…”

Primary Mediastinal Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Presenting with Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

“…The most commonly reported tumors arise from the lungs, thymus, parathyroid glands, ovaries, and gastrointestinal tract. A primary MSCNC is a very rare form of neuroendocrine malignancy [3-4]. Few cases are documented in the literature.…”