Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma arising in mature cystic teratoma: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Malignant transformation of ovarian mature cystic teratoma is rare, and occurs in approximately 1% of all cases. The most common histology arising in mature cystic teratoma is squamous cell carcinoma. Less frequently, malignant transformation is represented by an endocrine tumor. To date, only five cases of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNC) arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary have been reported.

CLINICAL CASE

A 69-year-old woman presented with a 15-cm left ovarian mass, and was diagnosed with Stage IV large cell carcinoma neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNC) arising in mature cystic teratoma (MCT) of the left ovary. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, however, residual tumors increased in size. Six months after the debulking surgery she succumbed to the disease. A literature review revealed LCNC of the ovary showed excessively aggressive phenotype in malignant transformation from ovarian mature cystic teratoma.

CONCLUSION

The present case of LCNC arising in MCT had an exceedingly poor prognosis, which was suggested in the previous five cases reported.