Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin producing osteosarcoma of the sacrum in a 26-year-old woman: a case report and review of the literature.
Ectopic secretion of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin is considered a poor prognostic marker in epithelial tumors. However, very few cases have been reported in sarcomas. We present the case of a 26-year-old female who presented with a metastatic osteosarcoma. She underwent usual testing prior to starting treatment and was found to have elevated levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. As the patient was not pregnant, another source of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin secretion had to be considered. The tumor cells demonstrated positive staining for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin by immunohistochemistry, and serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin were used to monitor tumor progression and response to chemotherapy. We review the literature and discuss a potential role of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in the treatment of such patients.
Department of Pathology, North Shore Long Island Jewish, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Ryan
R
Glass
Department of Pathology, North Shore Long Island Jewish, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Jaya Ruth
JR
Asirvatham
Department of Pathology, North Shore Long Island Jewish, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Leonard
L
Kahn
Department of Pathology, North Shore Long Island Jewish, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Mohamed
M
Aziz