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Case Report
Functioning middle ear neuroendocrine tumor: A rare case of systemic activity
1 Division of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Florida, Jacksonville, USA
Address correspondence to:
Nirmal Thapa
MD, 653-1 W. 8th Street, 4th Floor, LRC, Jacksonville, FL 32209,
USA
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Article ID: 100015Z18NM2025
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Minaya NJ, Thapa N. Functioning middle ear neuroendocrine tumor: A rare case of systemic activity. J Case Rep Images Otolaryngol 2025;6(2):1–4.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Middle ear neuroendocrine tumors (MeNETs) are rare neoplasms with dual epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. They typically present as indolent lesions with nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.
Case Report: We present a case of a functioning MeNET in a 59-year-old male with left-sided hearing loss, ipsilateral postauricular and occipital pain, and systemic symptoms suggestive of neuroendocrine activity. Surgical excision and histopathology confirmed a grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor.
Conclusion: This case represents the first reported instance of a functioning MeNET, broadening the understanding of this tumor’s potential systemic activity. It highlights the importance of thorough clinical evaluation, surgical management, and long-term surveillance, as well as the need for further research into the pathophysiology of MeNETs.
Keywords: Comertise carcinoid tumor, Functioning MeNET, Middle ear adenoma, Neuroendocrine tumor
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Author Contributions
Natasha JMinaya - Substantial contributions to conception and design, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Nirmal Thapa - Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Interpretation of data, Drafting the article, Revising it critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published
Guarantor of SubmissionThe corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this article.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthors declare no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2025 Natasha J Minaya et al. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
