Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Presenting with Elevating Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Abstract

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is a rare disease and mostly diagnosed in children and young adults. This tumor is presumed to be of neuroectodermal origin, probably developing from migrating embryonic cells of the neural crest. Carcinoembryonic antigen is a glycoprotein and frequently elevated in patients with a variety of epithelial malignancies. We report hereby a 59-year old male patient with pelvic PNET, and the initial presentation was merelyelevating serum CEA of unknown origin. This case might help to support the theory that PNET may have a potential for epithelial or neuroendocrine differentiation.

Keywords

• PNET
• CEA