Carcinoid tumor presenting as central nervous system symptoms. Case report and review of the literature

Am J Clin Oncol. 1990 Jun;13(3):251-5. doi: 10.1097/00000421-199006000-00015.

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors are relatively uncommon. They are known for their slow growing behavior and unique symptoms. Patients with carcinoid tumors usually present with signs and symptoms due either to local disease or to the carcinoid syndrome. During the course of these tumors, they tend to metastasize to different sites, including regional lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bone. They rarely metastasize to the central nervous system (CNS) and very rarely present with signs and symptoms related to CNS metastasis. We report a patient who presented with CNS symptoms and was found to have a pulmonary carcinoid tumor involving the liver and the dura mater. In this article, CNS involvement in carcinoid tumors is discussed, and the literature is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Diseases / etiology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Carcinoid Tumor / complications*
  • Carcinoid Tumor / pathology
  • Carcinoid Tumor / secondary
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged