Two Cases of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin-Producing Large Cell Carcinoma of the Lung Accompanied with Gynecomastia

Abstract

Two cases of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)-producing lung carcinoma are reported. Both were male, aged 66 and 65, respectively histological examination of percutaneous lung biopsy revealed large cell carcinoma. The patients both developed bilateral gynecomastia during their clinical course. Endocrine function tests demonstrated high levels of HCG, HCG-β, luteinizing hormone, estrone, estrdiol, progesterone in the blood. They were given only anticancer chemotherapy with no effect and died. Autopsy revealed extensive metastases of lung cancer and the presence of HCG in tumor cells was demonstrated by immunohistochemical technique in both cases.