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. 2013:2013:728479.
doi: 10.1155/2013/728479. Epub 2013 Feb 14.

Paranasal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Nagesh T Sirsath  1 , K Govind Babu, Umesh Das, C S Premlatha
Affiliations

Paranasal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma: a case report and review of the literature

Nagesh T Sirsath et al. Case Rep Oncol Med. 2013.

Abstract

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are defined as epithelial neoplasms with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. They can arise in almost every organ of the body although they are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are a rare site for neuroendocrine carcinoma. In contrast to the other regions, neuroendocrine tumours of the sinuses have been reported to be recurrent and locally destructive. Very few cases of paranasal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma have been reported till date. Difficulty in pathologic diagnosis and rarity of this malignancy have hindered the progress in understanding the clinical course and improving outcomes. We herein report a case of poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumour of ethmoid and sphenoid sinus with invasion of orbit and intracranial extension. The patient had complete response at the end of chemoradiation and he was disease-free for 9 months duration after which he developed bone metastasis without regional recurrence.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Computed tomography (CT) of paranasal sinuses and orbit showing mass (arrow) occupying the entire left ethmoid and sphenoid sinus extending into left nasal cavity causing erosion of nasal septum, extending into orbit and intracranial extension into basifrontal area (before chemoradiation and after chemoradiation).
Figure 2
Figure 2
(haematoxylin and eosin ×100): Showing poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm with neuroendocrine differentiation.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Neuroendocrine cells showing synaptophysin positivity (arrow). (Immunoperoxidase technique, HPR polymerase method ×100.)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Treatment protocol of nasal and paranasal cavities small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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