Carcinoid tumor of the anterior mediastinum in a 38-year-old woman

Abstract

Mediastinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are very rare. They have been estimated to account for approximately 2%-4% of all anterior mediastinal neoplasms. Carcinoid tumors are a type of NET that can occur in a number of locations. They arise from endocrine amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation cells that can be found in organs such as the lungs. In general, they are slow growing tumors but are nevertheless capable of metastasizing. We present the case of a carcinoid tumor of the anterior mediastinum in a 38-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 4-month history of worsening breathless and cough. Definitive diagnosis was based on histopathological examination and immunophenotypic markers.

Keywords

• Carcinoid
• Contrast enhanced CT
• Immunohistochemistry
• Mediastinum
• Neuroendocrine tumor