Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma: A case report

Abstract

Primary Pulmonary Choriocarcinoma (PPC) is an extremely rare and aggressive malignancy originating in the lung parenchyma. This case report describes a 38-year-old female who presented with sudden-onset, progressive chest pain and breathing difficulty. Initial evaluation revealed a lung mass, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and markedly elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG). PET-CT imaging showed a large hypermetabolic mass in the right upper lobe with mediastinal extension and lymph node involvement. Biopsy confirmed choriocarcinoma, with immunohistochemistry positive for CK7 and βhCG. The patient received four cycles of cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy, resulting in partial response with a decrease in tumor size, βhCG and resolution of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and management approach for PPC, emphasizing the importance of considering this rare entity in patients presenting with lung masses and elevated βhCG. The partial response to chemotherapy underscores the potential efficacy of this treatment modality in PPC management.