Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thymus

Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus, previously known as carcinoid tumors of the thymus, are unusual and rare tumors, and prognosis for these patients has been difficult to predict. We hereby report a case of primary neuroendocrine tumor of the thymus that had an aggressive and fatal course in spite of surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. These tumors must be regarded as a malignant neoplasm that is prone to metastasize to distant sites, even after total excision.

[1]  A. Geha,et al.  Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus. , 2002, The Annals of thoracic surgery.

[2]  Taira Kobayashi,et al.  Thymic carcinoids in multiple endocrine neoplasia-type 1. , 2001, The Japanese journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery : official publication of the Japanese Association for Thoracic Surgery = Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai zasshi.

[3]  S. Suster,et al.  Neuroendocrine carcinomas (carcinoid tumor) of the thymus. A clinicopathologic analysis of 80 cases. , 2000, American journal of clinical pathology.

[4]  P. Yang,et al.  Carcinoid tumours of the thymus. , 1994, Thorax.

[5]  L. Kvols Therapy of the malignant carcinoid syndrome. , 1989, Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America.

[6]  M. Miettinen Synaptophysin and neurofilament proteins as markers for neuroendocrine tumors. , 1987, Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine.

[7]  G. Gamsu,et al.  Carcinoids associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. , 1987, American journal of surgery.

[8]  H. Ezaki,et al.  Carcinoid tumors of the thymus. , 1984, Hiroshima journal of medical sciences.

[9]  J. Rosai,et al.  Mediastinal endocrine neoplasm, of probable thymic origin, related to carcinoid tumor. Clinicopathologic study of 8 cases , 1972, Cancer.

[10]  A. Dinda,et al.  Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of thymus: a rare cause of Cushing's syndrome. , 2010, Indian journal of pathology & microbiology.

[11]  L. Leinonen,et al.  Multiple endocrine neoplastic-associated thymic carcinoid tumour in close relatives: octreotide scan as a new diagnostic and follow-up modality. Two case reports. , 1999, Scandinavian cardiovascular journal : SCJ.

[12]  P. Macchiarini,et al.  Thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma (carcinoid): a clinicopathologic study of fourteen cases. , 1996, The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.

[13]  M. Wick,et al.  Carcinoid tumor of the thymus: a clinicopathologic report of seven cases with a review of the literature. , 1980, Mayo Clinic proceedings.

[14]  V. Gould Neuroendocrinomas and neuroendocrine carcinomas: APUD cell system neoplasms and their aberrant secretory activities. , 1977, Pathology annual.