title: Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma in a male that was successfully diagnosed and treated: A case report and review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma (PPC) is extremely rare, especially in males. It is characterized by a poor response to therapy and shortened survival times. Here, we report a successful diagnosis and modified treatment for PPC in a male and a review of the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case report describes a 67-year-old male who was discovered to have a left pulmonary mass. The patient underwent a pulmonary lobectomy. Pathological examination showed a poorly biphasic differential tumor. Immunostaining displayed that beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), CD10, and GATA3 were positive, and the increase of postoperative serum β-HCG secretion was also confirmed. Systemic and genital screening was performed, but other abnormal findings were not observed. The diagnosis of PPC was confirmed. Then, the patient received 4 cycles of modified chemotherapy according the condition of his body. The patient has been alive for >13 months without recurrence, and the level of serum β-HCG has already decreased to normal. In addition to reporting this case, we have also summarized the similar previously published cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Currently, there is no standard treatment for PPC. A rapid and correct diagnosis is necessary. Surgery and modified chemotherapy, based on the physical condition of the patient, may currently be the best therapy for PPC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan, Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China Department of Pathology, Changping Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing 102208, China.
authors.forename: Ran
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Congwei
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: Yufeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Huo
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human