Primary insular carcinoid of the ovary.
BACKGROUND
Primary insular carcinoid tumor of the ovary is a rare tumor and accounts for fewer than 1% of all cases of carcinoid in the body. With the exception of a single reported case, all previously described functioning ovarian carcinoid tumors have measured at least 10 cm in diameter. Thus, there appears to be a good correlation between the size of the tumor and the presence of the carcinoid syndrome.


METHODS
We describe a case of a functioning primary insular carcinoid tumor of the ovary measuring just 6 cm in maximal diameter.


CONCLUSIONS
Although primary ovarian carcinoid tumor is very rare, a high clinical index of suspicion must be maintained, especially in a patient presenting with carcinoid syndrome and a small adnexal mass.
Díaz-Montes
Teresa P
TP
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps #281, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. tdiazmo1@jhmi.edu
Rosenthal
Linda E
LE
Bristow
Robert E
RE
Grumbine
Francis C
FC
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002276:Carcinoid Tumor / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*