A Rare Case of Extra-Gonadal Oestrogen-Secreting Choriocarcinoma in a Male.

Abstract

This report describes a rare case of an extra-gonadal oestrogen-secreting tumour in a male patient. An otherwise healthy 60-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 3-month history of shortness of breath and weight loss. Blood panels and histology supported the diagnosis of an oestrogen-secreting choriocarcinoma. Unfortunately, the patient died soon after his diagnosis. The highlighting features of this case are: (1) the difficulty of confirming a diagnosis in a rapidly deteriorating patient; (2) the rarity of oestrogen-secreting extra-gonadal tumours in males; and (3) the aggressive rate of tumour progression seen on sequential imaging. LEARNING POINTS: Extra-gonadal oestrogen-secreting tumours in males are rare, but early empiric chemotherapy can be of benefit if this diagnosis is suspected.Tumour progression can be rapid, and so prompt referral to oncology services is critical for emergent management of the condition.Full endocrine blood panels including oestrogen, β human chorionic gonadotrophin and α fetoprotein are useful to help diagnose the condition.