Abstract
A case of widely metastasized carcinoid tumor originating from the right ovary is reported. Clinically, it manifested as a hepatic tumor, and an aspiration cytological examination was performed. Cytological examination indicated hepatocellular carcinoma. However, autopsy revealed hepatic metastasis of carcinoid tumor from the right ovary. The Papanicolaou-stained specimen showed oval to polygonalshaped tumor cells that were scattered or in clusters. The N/C ratio was increased and the nucleus showed a granular chromatin pattern. The cytoplasm was basophilic and foamy in appearance. It was difficult to differentiate from hepatocellular carcinoma only on the basis of cytological appearance. Immunohistochemical staining by the ABC method showed positive reactivity for chromogranin in the cytoplasm of the tumor cell.
Histologically, the tumor was characterized by the formation of trabecular and rossette-like structures. Tumor cells were positive for argyrophil, but negative for the argentaffin reaction. Electron microscopic observation revealed numerous neurosecretory granules measuring 200 nm to 400 nm in diameter in the cytoplasm of tumor cells.
