Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2011 Aug;54(8):573-577. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.8.573.

Two Cases of Middle Ear Adenoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation (Carcinoid Tumor)

• Shin BS
• Kim JR
• Jeong HW
• Kim EK

• KMID: 2074190
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2011.54.8.573

Abstract

Middle ear adenoma with neuroendocrine differentiation (carcinoid tumor) is a rare benign tumor of the tympanic cavity. Carcinoid tumor is generally derived from primitive stem cells in the gut wall but can be seen in other organs, including the lungs, mediastinum, thymus, liver, pancreas, bronchus, ovaries, prostate, and kidneys. This is unusual considering neuroendocrine cells have not been identified in normal or inflamed middle ear mucosa. Carcinoid tumor of the middle ear represents a class within the spectrum of adenomatous neoplasms. Immunohistochemical techniques have helped clarify that these tumors all share elements of neuroendocrine differentiation. Although histologic and biological similarities with middle ear adenoma exist, carcinoid tumor of the middle ear should be classified as a well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma because the carcinoid tumor has higher rate of recurrence and incidence of metastasis than middle ear adenoma. Surgical management is the recommended treatment and long-term observation is necessary.

Keyword

Middle ear; Carcinoid tumor

MeSH Terms

Adenoma
Bronchi
Carcinoid Tumor
Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
Ear, Middle
Female
Incidence
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Mediastinum
Mucous Membrane
Neoplasm Metastasis
Neuroendocrine Cells
Ovary
Pancreas
Prostate
Recurrence
Stem Cells
Thymus Gland