Primary pulmonary carcinoid tumor with metastasis to endometrial polyp

Int J Surg Case Rep. 2013;4(1):91-3. doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2012.10.007. Epub 2012 Oct 17.

Abstract

Introduction: A carcinoid tumor occurring in the endometrium has been documented in the literature, but there is no report in regard to carcinoid tumor metastasis to endometrium.

Presentation of case: We report a case of a malignant carcinoid metastasis to an endometrial polyp. Patient underwent hysteroscopy, and polypectomy. The pathology demonstrated an endometrial polyp containing a 4 mm x 5 mm nodule of metastatic carcinoid tumor, consistent with metastasis from patient's known pulmonary carcinoid. The tumor was morphologically similar to the tumors of the right lung, with similar immune-profile.

Discussion: This patient presented with a suspicious pelvic ultrasound. Due to her age, the first priority was to exclude uterine cancer. The endometrial polyp, which was found, had a small focus of metastatic carcinoid tumor. To the best of our knowledge, this finding has not been previously recorded in the literature. Our patient also had a history of metastatic carcinoid tumor to breast. This finding is also very uncommon.

Conclusion: This is the first case in the literature described a malignant carcinoid metastasis to an endometrial polyp.