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Large Cell Neuroendocrine Cervical Carcinoma: A Case Report
Humaira Sarfraz1, Samridhi Syal1, Sara Sarfraz2
1Internal Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, USA.
Cureus
|February 12, 2020
Summary
A rare large cell neuroendocrine tumor was diagnosed in a woman with liver metastases. Cervical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, leading to chemotherapy treatment for this uncommon malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a diverse group of neoplasms originating from neuroendocrine cells.
- Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare and aggressive subtype, often presenting with advanced disease.
- Metastatic disease poses diagnostic challenges, requiring comprehensive workup to identify the primary tumor.
Observation:
- A female patient presented with right upper quadrant pain and was found to have multiple liver lesions on imaging.
- Initial investigations considered various potential primary sites, including gastrointestinal, urothelial, genital, and breast origins.
- The diagnostic process involved a thorough workup to ascertain the source of malignancy.
Findings:
- Cervical biopsy was crucial in identifying the primary tumor.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of large cell neuroendocrine tumor.
- The findings indicated a metastatic presentation of LCNEC.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in the differential for metastatic cancer of unknown primary.
- Cervical biopsy can be a key diagnostic tool for identifying LCNEC, even with widespread metastases.
- Prompt diagnosis and initiation of chemotherapy are essential for managing aggressive neuroendocrine tumors.
