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Clear Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix: An Uncommon Variant of Lipid-Rich Neuroendocrine Tumor with a Broad Differential Diagnosis

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Abstract

The designation of clear cell/lipid-rich refers to an unusual variant of neuroendocrine tumor (“carcinoid”) described in several organs, but only recently observed in the appendix. In this study, we report the morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of an incidentally discovered appendiceal clear cell/lipid-rich carcinoid in a 32-year-old man without any evidence of von Hippel–Lindau disease. Differential diagnosis with mimicking neoplastic and non-tumor lesions, epidemiology, and clinical behavior of this exceedingly rare variant of carcinoid of the appendix are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Operative Unit of Pathologic Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy

    Giulio Rossi, Nazarena Nannini, Maria Cecilia Mengoli & Rita Fano

  2. Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy

    Federica Bertolini

  3. Operative Unit of Pathologic Anatomy, Hospital St. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Alberto Cavazza

  4. Section of Pathologic Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Via del Pozzo, 71- 41100, Modena, Italy

    Giulio Rossi

Authors
  1. Giulio Rossi
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  2. Nazarena Nannini
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  3. Federica Bertolini
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  4. Maria Cecilia Mengoli
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  5. Rita Fano
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  6. Alberto Cavazza
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Correspondence to Giulio Rossi.

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Rossi, G., Nannini, N., Bertolini, F. et al. Clear Cell Carcinoid of the Appendix: An Uncommon Variant of Lipid-Rich Neuroendocrine Tumor with a Broad Differential Diagnosis. Endocr Pathol 21, 258–262 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12022-010-9132-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12022-010-9132-9

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