An unusual case of primary choriocarcinoma of the lung

BMC Surg. 2013;13 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S33. doi: 10.1186/1471-2482-13-S2-S33. Epub 2013 Oct 8.

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma is a germ cell tumor containing syncytiotrophoblastic cells and secreting human Beta-HCG. Primary choriocarcinoma of the lung is extremely uncommon. The prognosis of this tumor is extremely poor, despite surgical and chemotherapeutic treatment. We report a surgically treated case of choriocarcinoma in a 37-year-old woman who came to our attention because of a isolated lung lesion. The tumor was successfully resected. Chemotherapy was started 2 months after thoracic surgery and consisted of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. At 1-year follow-up the patient is alive in good condition. The hCG level is actually normal.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choriocarcinoma* / diagnosis
  • Choriocarcinoma* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms* / surgery