Strumal carcinoid of the ovary associated with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and cutaneous melanosis

Using immunohistochemical techniques ovarian carcinoid tumours can be shown to contain a wide variety of neuro‐hormonal peptides but clinical effects, apart from the carcinoid syndrome, are very rare. Non‐islet cell tumours with documented hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia are also rare. This is the first recorded case of an ovarian strumal carcinoid associated with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. Concurrent skin hyperpigmentation is believed to have resulted from the effects of tumour derived α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone or an antigenically similar, biologically active peptide.