Sarcoma (Jan 2000)

Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma Associated with an Elevated β-HCG Serum Level Mimicking Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor

  • Michael Froehner,
  • Hans-Juergen Gaertner,
  • Andreas Manseck,
  • Sven Oehlschlaeger,
  • Manfred P. Wirth

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2000/501959
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 4
pp. 179 – 181

Abstract

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Patient. A 65-year-old man was admitted with a large primary retroperitoneal tumor and an increased β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) serum level. A germ cell tumor was suspected; however, a computed tomography-guided biopsy failed to enable tumor classification. After two courses of chemotherapy, the β-HCG serum level had returned to the normal level and a diagnostic laparotomy with incisional biopsy was performed. The immunohistochemical examination of the specimen identified the tumor as a retroperitoneal pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma.