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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Neurofibromatosis | Case Report
Triple malignancy (NET, GIST and pheochromocytoma) as a first manifestation of neurofibromatosis type-1 in an adult patient
Published in: Diagnostic Pathology | Issue 1/2019
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Background
Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1), also called von Recklinghausen disease, is a rare genetic disease which can lead to the development of benign or even malignant tumors. NF1 is mostly diagnosed in children or early adolescents who present with clinical symptoms. A curative therapy is still missing and the management of NF1 is based on careful surveillance. Concerning tumors which affect the gastrointestinal tract in patients with NF1, the most common is a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
Case presentation
We present a case of a 58-year-old adult patient with dyspeptic symptoms who was incidentally diagnosed with triple malignancy (pheochromocytoma, multiple GISTs of small intestine and an ampullary NET) as a first manifestation of NF1. The patient underwent surgical treatment (adrenalectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy) with no complications and after 2 years remains in oncological remission.
Conclusion
NF1 is a rare genetic disease which can cause various benign or malignant tumors. The coincidence of GIST and NET is almost pathognomonic for NF1 and should raise a suspicion of this rare disorder in clinical practice.