Rectal neuroendocrine tumor, urinary obstruction and bladder calculi

Abstract

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors are rare, represent 12% to 27% of the neuroendocrine neoplasms, often occur in relatively young people, and distant metastases are uncommon. Herein is described the case of an 86-year-old Brazilian man with a rectal neuroendocrine tumor metastasized to the peritoneum, liver, adrenal glands, lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. The huge neoplasm caused compression of the urinary tract, hydronephrosis, and renal failure. Worthy of note was the exceedingly high level of carcinoembryonic antigen (1879 ng/mL). The histopathology and immunohistochemistry data were the base for diagnosis. Case studies of uncommon conditions might contribute to enhancing the awareness and suspicion index of no specialist physicians about this ominous tumor with rising incidence.