Thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma - a rare and aggressive tumor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors are a large group of tumors with a wide spectrum of behavior, affecting mainly the digestive system and the lung. The thymus is very rarely affected. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old Arab woman presented with chronic chest pain and dyspnea. A computed tomography scan showed a huge anterior mediastinal mass invading neighboring structures. A mediastinotomy was performed with biopsies of the mass. Pathological findings were consistent with a thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the thymus, especially in young people, is extremely rare. In this current report, we discuss the clinicopathological issues of this rare tumor according to recent literature data.

Mycetoma in a non-endemic area: a diagnostic challenge.

BACKGROUND: Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infectious disease caused by filamentous bacteria or by fungi. The disease is endemic in certain tropical and subtropical areas of the world but can be found elsewhere posing sometimes a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year- old man presented with a right foot swelling evolving for 25 years. During that time, several diagnosis and treatments have been made without any improvement. The disease spread to bones, and misdiagnosed as Kaposi's sarcoma. Transtibial amputation has been performed, and the histopathological examination revealed finally the diagnosis of eumycotic mycetoma. The patient recovered well after surgery and orthopedic prosthesis was prescribed for him. CONCLUSION: Mycetoma in non endemic areas is usually misdiagnosed and mismanaged leading to unnecessary and inappropriate surgery. Health practitioners should be aware of that fact in order to provide an accurate management.