An Update of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Female Reproductive System

Abstract

Endocrine disease related tumors of female reproductive system mostly seen in ovary. Hormone producing ovarian tumors, ovarian tumor with functioning stroma, tumor related paraneoplastic and paraendocrine syndromes, paraganglioma and neuroendocrine tumors may include in this category. These tumors or its stroma can produce some hormones, which are led to endocrine manifestations. Rarely tumors associated with paraneoplastic and endocrine syndromes. Among these lesions, primary neuroendocrine tumors are rarely seen in the gynecologic tract, comprising 2% of gynecologic cancers. They have specific cytological and histopathological features that are usually helpful in differentiating them from epithelial tumors. Nevertheless, they still provide a diagnostic and clinical challenge, given their rarity. Accurate diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor is essential for both therapeutic and prognostic purposes. In this review, we focused on neuroendocrine tumors of the gynecological tract and their morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings. In addition, we will briefly discuss paraganglioma and other endocrine diseases related tumors in the gynecological tract. © 2015, Federation of Turkish Pathology Societies. All rights reserved.