title: Metastatic dedifferentiated chordoma with elevated beta-hCG: a case report.
abstract: Chordomas are relatively uncommon bone tumors, and fewer than 10% of cases are classified as dedifferentiated chordomas. These tumors tend to be more clinically aggressive than chordomas and have a higher incidence of early distant metastases. In this case report, we describe a 24-year-old man with dedifferentiated chordoma and multiple pulmonary metastases. Further laboratory analysis revealed an elevated serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level. Unfortunately, the patient's clinical condition deteriorated rapidly and he died before receiving any treatment for his cancer. However, chemotherapy may play a useful role in the management of systemic disease in patients with dedifferentiated chordoma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor 48109-0948, USA.
authors.forename: Hidayatullah G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Munshi
authors.forename: Sofia D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Merajver
authors.forename: Riccardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valdez
authors.forename: Laurence H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Cooney
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002817:Chordoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000556:secondary*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human