[Primary carcinoid of the ovary]

Abstract

Background: Carcinoid tumors are distinct neuroendocrine neoplasms commonly located within the gastrointestinal tract and bronchopulmonary system. The aim of this case report was to present a patient with carcinoid tumor of the ovary as a less common form of this neoplasm.

Case report: A 49 year old woman was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain and suspicion of neuroendocrine neoplasm, 4 month after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and total hysterectomy for ovarian tumor. Pathological diagnosis was typical for carcinoid tumor. At admission the patient had slightly eleveated levels of tumor marker CA 125 and highly elevated levels of 5- HIAA. Abdominal CT showed suspicious rest tumor in the pelvis. Relaparotomy was done and retroperitoneal fibrosis was found. Six months after the intervention the levels of 5-HIAA and CA 125 were normal, and NMR of the abdomen showed no signs of rest tumor.

Conclusion: Carcinoid tumor of the ovary is rare form of ovarian tumors and less than 0.1% had malignant potential. Surgical therapy associated with a long-term followup was the treatment of choice. Consideration of unusual sites of carcinoid tumors facilitates appropriate diagnosis and treatment.