Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: topic review and a unique case of metastasis to the mandible.

There are few reports of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) metastasis to the head and neck region, and no cases reporting LCNEC from lung metastasizing to the mandible. LCNEC is not well reported in the literature due to recent changes in the criteria for diagnosis, revised in 2004 by the world health organization, due to its propensity for rapid growth and low 5 year prognosis. We present a 61 year old female diagnosed with LCNEC of the lung in October, 2007 treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Our patient had a PET scan performed in March, 2009 revealing no sign of metastasis. In July, 2009 she was seen for suspected sialadenitis by another department and referred to our oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. Her signs and symptoms were consistent with metastatic disease to the mandible confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemical examination which revealed an invasive poorly differentiated non-small cell carcinoma. Palliative care was offered. Our patient died 2 years after initial diagnosis of lung cancer and 3 months after initial finding of metastatic disease. The rapid growth and spread of this cancer was surprising and knowledge of this cancer should be included in a differential diagnosis of expanding mandibular jaw lesions.