The dedifferentiation of neuroendocrine tumor metastases: myth or reality?

Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2013;54(1):201-3.

Abstract

Dedifferentiation is a process that may be found in metastasis from the neuroendocrine tumors. We present the case of a female within the seventh decade of life incidentally diagnosed with a mature teratoma with element of cartilages, bronchia, mucinous glands, and a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (Ki67 of 30%). After six months of chemotherapy and another six months of disease free interval, a metastasis of the great omentum was removed. The dedifferentiation was diagnosed based on much higher Ki67 (of 70%). The loss of estrogen receptor of 40% from the initial site to 3% into metastasis indicates an exclusive neuroendocrine aggressive pattern. The ovarian carcinoid is a rare situation, and metastasis to the great omentum with dedifferentiation is even seldom.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology
  • Cell Dedifferentiation / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Teratoma / pathology