J Pathol Transl Med.  2015 Nov;49(6):450-461. 10.4132/jptm.2015.09.20.

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Female Reproductive Tract: A Literature Review

• Chun YK

• KMID: 2381404
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4132/jptm.2015.09.20

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumors of the female reproductive tract are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that display various histologic findings and biologic behaviors. In this review, the classification and clinicopathologic characteristics of neuroendocrine tumors of the female reproductive tract are described. Differential diagnoses are discussed, especially for non-neuroendocrine tumors showing high-grade nuclei with neuroendocrine differentiation. This review also discusses recent advances in our pathogenetic understanding of these disorders.

Keyword

Neuroendocrine tumors; Carcinoma, neuroendocrine; Gynecologic tract; Female reproductive tract

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
Classification
Diagnosis, Differential
Female*
Humans
Neuroendocrine Tumors*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. (A) Endometrial large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) admixed with grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma. (B) Large vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli in LCNEC. (C) CD56 immunostaining: positive in endometrioid carcinoma and negative in LCNEC. (D) Diffuse synaptophysin expression in LCNEC.

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  Fig. 2. (A) Dedifferentiated carcinoma composed of undifferentiated carcinoma and grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma. (B) Dyscohesive tumor cells growing in a patternless fashion without gland formation. Focal positivity of cytokeratin (C) and synaptophysin (D) immunostaining.

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  Fig. 3. (A) Grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma mimicking neuroendocrine carcinoma at low magnification. (B) At high magnification, grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma shows similar tumor cells in the solid and glandular areas. Focal positivity for neuroendocrine markers of CD56 (C) and synaptophysin (D).

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