A case of primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma successfully treated by surgery

Abstract

Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma is a very rare tumor and eventually diagnosed by pulmonary resection. A poor prognosis has been reported for this disease, but appropriate treatment has not been established. Here, we report the successful surgical treatment for a primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma. A 70-year-old male presented with cough and a 3.8-cm solid tumor was detected in the right upper lobe of the lung on CT scan. Results of an open lung biopsy indicated carcinoma with indeterminate histological subtype. Right upper lobectomy was performed and the permanent pathological diagnosis was choriocarcinoma. Right after surgery, systemic and genital screening was performed by urologist, but no abnormal findings were observed. Elevation of serum β-hCG was confirmed at the same time and the value dropped within normal range in 2 months. According to diagnosis criteria, we reached final diagnosis of primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma. The patient has been alive with no recurrence for 2 years after surgery.