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Multiple bilateral choroidal metastatic tumors from a small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary site
M Nicolò1, F C Piccolino, D Ghiglione
1University Eye Clinic of Genova, Genova, Italy. massimo.nicolo@hsanmartino.it
Purpose:
To report one case of multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary.
Methods:
The case of a 30-years-old white female who developed multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary is presented.
Results:
The patient had a disseminated disease and died 6 months after. The oncologic work-up, including physical examination, laboratory and radiographic study, fails to identify the primary site.
Conclusions:
Intraocular involvement from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary has not yet reported. We describe this case together with a review of the literature.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of multiple, bilateral choroidal tumors caused by poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary. This unusual intraocular involvement highlights the importance of comprehensive oncologic evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) is an aggressive malignancy.
- Unknown primary tumors pose diagnostic challenges.
- Choroidal tumors can arise from various primary sites, but SCNEC is rare.
Observation:
- A 30-year-old female presented with multiple, bilateral choroidal tumors.
- The tumors were histopathologically identified as poorly differentiated SCNEC.
- Despite extensive work-up, the primary tumor site remained unidentified.
Findings:
- The patient had disseminated disease and a poor prognosis.
- The intraocular SCNEC represented a rare manifestation of this cancer.
- The case highlights the potential for SCNEC to metastasize to the choroid.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of intraocular tumors.
- Early detection and diagnosis of unknown primary SCNEC are crucial.
- Further research is needed to understand SCNEC's metastatic potential to the eye.
