Three cases of Biliary Neuroendocrine Tumor

Abstract

Medical information about neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the bile duct is incomplete due to their rarity. We herein report three cases of bile duct NETs. Case 1: CT demonstrated an isovascular mass in the lower bile duct. A transpapillary biopsy revealed neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). A pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was performed, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (CPT-11+CDDP); however, the patient died due to disease progression 32 months later. Case 2: A well-enhanced hepatic hilar tumor, not definitively diagnosed by the forceps biopsy, was resected and pathologically diagnosed as a NET (G2). Case 3: CT showed a 38mm, ill-enhanced tumor in the lower bile duct. A transpapillary forceps biopsy showed adenocarcinoma; however, the surgical specimens demonstrated NEC. Adequate tissue acquisition is necessary for the diagnosis of bile duct NEC.