Ectopic production of beta-HCG by a maxillary squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Paraneoplastic syndromes of the head and neck are rare. Hypercalcemia and leukocytosis have been described. The literature was reviewed, and a case of a squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla producing beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) is presented.


METHODS
A 47-year-old white man with a T4N1M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxilla was treated with a maxillectomy and neck dissection for an N1 positive neck. After completing his planned radiotherapy, he developed distant metastases, which included an axillary node that stained positive for human beta-HCG.


RESULTS
Retrospective review of the primary specimen showed beta-HCG positivity in an anaplastic component of the tumor along with vascular invasion.


CONCLUSIONS
The first case in the literature of a paraneoplastic syndrome with beta-HCG production in association with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla is presented. This case history fits the aggressive nature of beta HCG producing tumors elsewhere in the body.
Scholl
P D
PD
Austin Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, Texas 78705, USA.
Jurco
S
S
Austin
J R
JR
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis
D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human