Strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary: a case exhibiting severe constipation associated with PYY.

Background: Primary carcinoid tumor of the ovary is uncommon and represents less than 0.1% of ovarian malignancy. Recently, it was reported that the strumal carcinoid tumor may be complicated by severe constipation as one symptom of the carcinoid syndrome.

Methods: A 50-year-old nulliparous woman complained of persisting constipation and abdominal distention with pelvic mass, raising the possibility of ovarian tumor. The sugically resected tumor was diagnosed as strumal carcinoid tumor. Her long-lasting severe constipation completely disappeared after tumor removal but recurred with recurrent hepatic disease. The tumor cells were positive for PYY, a peptide hormone that has a strong inhibitory effect on intestinal motility, by immunohistochemical stain.

Conclusions: Our case provides the more convincing information to indicate that PYY protein, produced by ovarian tumor cells in the trabecular carcinoid component, may be associated with severe constipation.