Extra-Gonadal Choriocarcinoma in the Male

A Rare Case of Extra-Gonadal Oestrogen-Secreting Choriocarcinoma in a Male

“…Although choriocarcinoma is within the umbrella of germ cell tumours, the primary site of malignancy is not always the sex organs [3] . A number of cases in the literature have described extra-gonadal primary choriocarcinoma, with the lung, mediastinum and the intestinal tract the most common sites [4] .…”

Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma in a male

“…Serial sectioning of the testes at autopsy failed to reveal a primary lesion or scar indicative of the burn out tumour 6,7. In addition some authors explain that the presence of scars may be merely the result of trauma and the small teratomas may be secondary to hormonal stimulation from the choriocarcinoma and as such it does not establish the gonad as the primary site of the neoplasm 8,9. Review of the literature support that EGCT represent malignant transformation of local primordial germ cells without a gonadal focus and a routine bilateral testicular biopsy is not recommended 6,9,10…”

“…Numerous drugs such as androgens and anabolic steroids, H2 blockers, cardiovascular drugs, psychoactive agents, antibiotics and antifungals, alkylating agents, anticonvulsants, alcohol, marijuana, heroin and amphetamine abuse has also been linked to the development of gynaecomastia 11. The presence of gynaecomastia in a male patient with bilateral pulmonary nodules however is virtually diagnostic of choriocarcinoma until proven otherwise and as such should prompt the clinician to get a urine pregnancy test there by avoiding delay in diagnosis and treatment 5,8. Definitive diagnosis is made with tissue biopsy.…”

Choriocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder

“…Less common sites in both sexes are the retroperitoneum, mediastinum, and pineal gland. Trophoblastic tumours have also been reported in other visceral organs such as the oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, breast, kidney, prostate, and urinary bladder 2 –54 …”