Non-small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovary

Epidemiology

This is an extremely rare tumour of the ovary. It is a tumour of adults, pre or post menopausal.

Macroscopic appearances

Most cases are unilateral. The tumour may be predominantly solid or cystic.

Histopathology

The tumour cells are intermediate to large. They form solid sheets, trabeculae or nests, sometimes having a pseudopapillary appearance. The cells are usually oval or round, less often spindled. The degree of pleomorphism is varied. The mitotic rate is high and necrosis is prominent.

There is usually an associated endometrioid or mucinous carcinoma of the ovary, or a mature cystic teratoma, pure non-small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma being very rare.

Immunohistochemistry

	Cytokeratin cocktail	6/61
	CK7	4/51
	CK20	3/51
	Cam5.2	3/31
	Chromogranin A	8/111
	Synaptophysin	9/91
	CD117	5/71
	NSE	1/11
	CD56	4/81

Differential diagnosis

Metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma
Anaplastic foci arising in ovarian carcinomas

Prognosis

Non-small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is an aggressive tumour.

References

1 Veras E, Deavers MT, Silva EG, et al. Ovarian nonsmall cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 11 cases. Am J Surg Pathol 2007; 31:774-82

This page last revised 9.6.2007.