A Rare Case of Neuroendocrine Tumor in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Is There Any Association?

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by café-au-lait spots, cutaneous neurofibromas, axillary and inguinal freckling, and iris Lisch nodules; however, the presentations vary greatly, even within families. NF1 is also a recognized risk factor for the development of malignancy particularly malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), optic gliomas, other gliomas, and leukemia. Nevertheless, the occurrence of lung cancer in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare phenomenon. Here we present a case of neuroendocrine tumor in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1, highlighting the association between the two diseases. This case report also aimed to raise awareness of possible malignancies in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Keywords: lung cancer; malignancies; neuroendocrine tumor; neurofibromatosis type 1 (nf1); risk factor.