[Primary carcinoid of the middle ear. A case report with reference to light and electron microscopy findings]

A rare case of carcinoid tumour of the middle ear in a 51-year old woman is presented. The clinical features and the light and electron microscopical appearances are discussed. Carcinoid tumour should be included in the differential diagnosis when tumours of the middle ear present with adenomatous pattern. Electron microscopy will identify characteristic intracellular neurosecretory granules. Formaldehyde-induced fluorescence corresponding to the pattern of distribution of these granules confirms the diagnosis of carcinoid tumour.