Simultaneous presentation of a small-cell carcinoma involving the ovary and the uterine endometrium

A case of simultaneous presentation of a small-cell carcinoma involving the ovary and the uterine endometrium is reported. We consider the endometrium as the primary localization of the tumor. The epithelial origin and neuroendocrine differentiation were confirmed by electron microscopy. Tumor cells were attached by small desmosomes, and in the cytoplasm typically neurosecretory granules measuring 100-200 nm were found. Immunohistochemically, no content of polypeptide hormones (ACTH, Calcitonin, Gastrin, Glucagon, Insulin, Somatostatin and VIP) were encountered. The tumor stained strongly for neuronspecific enolase. The histogenetic possibilities are shortly presented.