[Mediastinal neuroendocrine tumor (atypical carcinoid probably of thymic origin) imitating teratoma--case report].

67-year old man in a good physical condition was admitted to the Clinic to diagnose mediastinal tumor which was noticed on chest radiogram. The patient reported chronic cough, sweats and weight loss (5 kg during 4 months). The elevated number of monocytes was the only abnormality in his laboratory tests. Chest computer tomography confirmed well separated solid tumor without calcifications (with focal necrosis) in anterior mediastinal area. No lymphadenopathy was observed. Radiological image suggested teratoma or other germ stem tumor. Considering undiagnostic bronchial forceps biopsy during bronchofibroscopy we performed percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy which suggested carcinoid. Patient was referred to Surgery Clinic to be operated. Histological examination of resected tumor showed atypical carcinoid of probably thymic origin.