Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium

Abstract

Background: Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is very rarely encountered within the endometrium. Case Study: A patient underwent a hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy for a suspicious gynecologic condition. Pathology revealed invasive small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium; the neoplasm exhibited positive immunoreactivity for synaptophysin, pancytokeratin and CD56 but was negative for CD3 and CD20. Prior to chemotherapy, a completion lymphadenectomy was indicated to determine the presence of nodal metastases. Conclusion: The prognosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium is unfavorable but prompt detection with surgery and adjuvant therapy may confer a better clinical outcome. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.