beta-HCG secretion by a non-small cell lung cancer: a case report

Paraneoplastic secretion of beta human chorionic gonadotropin ( beta-HCG) in non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) has been rarely reported. A 43-year old male patient was admitted with dyspnea and chest pain. Thorax computed tomography ( CT) revealed bilateral multiple masses and pleural effusion at right hemithorax. Positron emission tomography ( PET)-CT showed pathologic 18 FDG uptake at mass lesions and mediastinal lymph nodes. The serum beta-HCG level was elevated. A bronchoscopy was performed and endobronchial lesion was observed. Since a definitive diagnosis was not achieved by pathologic examination of biopsy specimen, bronchoscopy was repeated and a sample was taken by cryobiopsy. The pathologic examination revealed non-small cell lung cancer. In conclusion, the case was presented because of extremely rare occurence of NSCLC secreting beta-HCG.