Case report
Association of carcinoid tumor and low grade glioma
1 Département d’Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 232 Boulevard Ste Marguerite, 13009, Marseille, France
2 Service de Neuro-Oncologie, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de le Timone, Marseille, France
World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2012, 10:236 doi:10.1186/1477-7819-10-236
Published: 8 November 2012Abstract
Background
Lung carcinoid tumor and low grade glioma are two uncommon malignancies.
Patients and methods
We report the case of 24-year-old man who presented with respiratory disease. Imaging investigations showed a right lung tumor and histological analysis confirmed a typical carcinoid tumor. As part of initial staging, brain MRI revealed an asymptomatic right frontal lesion. First, a right pulmonary lobectomy was performed without adjuvant treatment. In second time, brain tumorectomy was performed. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of low grade glioma (LGG). The patient remained in complete remission 2.5 years after the initial diagnosis.
Results
This is the first case reporting the association between LGG and lung carcinoid tumor, while no association between LGG and a systemic tumor have been published to date. Association of lung carcinoid tumor with other malignant diseases has been reported but remained uncommon. Only minimal data support a potential molecular common origin.
Conclusion
This exceptional association may be fortuitous. However, their concomitant diagnoses suggest a potential association between both rare diseases. A genetic susceptibility remains possible.
