Neuroendocrine tumor in a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are epithelial neoplasms with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation, potentially arising from anywhere along the alimentary tract. We report a case of NET in a patient living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). A 58-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of dry cough, loose motions, and fatigue; he had unintended weight loss ongoing during the past 4 months. Examination is significant for hepatomegaly (20 cm). On evaluation, a diagnosis of both HIV/AIDS and metastatic NET of gastrointestinal origin was confirmed. The chronic antigenic stimulation, cytokine dysregulation, and inflammation observed in PLWH are believed to influence the development of variety of malignancy. Hence, a high index of suspicion for neoplasms in HIV/AIDS (PLWH) regardless of their viral load or immunosuppression status is necessity when presented with red flag malignancies, especially with the overlapping symptoms of AIDS and the constitutional symptoms of cancers.