Gynecomastia attributable to human chorionic gonadotropin-secreting giant cell carcinoma of lung.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a patient with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting giant cell carcinoma of the lung manifesting as painful gynecomastia, which resolved after surgical treatment.

METHODS:

We present the clinical, radiologic, and clinical course of our patient, who presented with painful gynecomastia.

RESULTS:

A 51-year-old man presented with a lung mass and rapidly progressing bilateral painful gynecomastia. Hormonal evaluation revealed high levels of hCG beta subunit, estradiol, and total and free testosterone and suppressed levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. The patient underwent resection of the right upper and middle lobes of the lung. After the surgical procedure, the levels of hCG and estradiol rapidly decreased, and the gynecomastia resolved completely within 3 months. Fluctuation in the levels of serum hCG paralleled the clinical course of the lung tumor.

CONCLUSION:

Although gynecomastia is a common disorder, hormonal work-up including hCG beta subunit should be done in an adult male patient presenting with rapidly progressing or recent onset of painful gynecomastia. Lung cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gynecomastia attributable to ectopic production of hCG beta subunit.

• Authors: Subhashini Yaturu, Elba Harrara, Charan Nopajaroonsri, Rakesh Singal, Sarjit Gill
• Journal: Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (Endocr Pract) 2003 May-Jun Vol. 9 Issue 3 Pg. 233-5 ISSN: 1530-891X [Print] United States
• PMID: 12917067 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chorionic Gonadotropin
• Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
• Testosterone
• Estradiol
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Topics

• Carcinoma, Giant Cell (metabolism, pathology, surgery)
• Chorionic Gonadotropin (metabolism)
• Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human (blood)
• Estradiol (blood)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (blood)
• Gynecomastia (etiology)
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (metabolism, pathology, surgery)
• Luteinizing Hormone (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Paraneoplastic Endocrine Syndromes
• Testosterone (blood)