AACE Clinical Case Reports (Jan 2015)

Gynecomastia as Unusual Presentation of Primary Choriocarcinoma of the Colon: A Case Report and Literature Review

  • Maríaresa Te Julián, MD,
  • Eduarda Pizarro, MD, PhD,
  • Susana Martínez Peralta, MD,
  • Olga García Vidal, MD,
  • Sonia Casals, MD,
  • Enric Ballestar, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 4
pp. e260 – e264

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: Objective: Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of male breast tissue and is the most common breast condition in males. Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)-secreting tumors such as choriocarcinoma are one cause of gynecomastia. This is the first report of bilateral gynecomastia secondary to malignant β-hCG-secreting choriocarcinoma located in the colon.Methods: A 49 year-old male who presented bilateral gynecomastia was found to have a primary colonic choriocarcinoma.Results: Serum β-hCG levels were significantly high at 11.546 mIU/mL (normal range 0.01–5). A colonoscopy showed a stenosing mass in the sigmoid colon, and computed tomography revealed multiple liver metastases. The diagnosis of choriocarcinoma was confirmed by the histologic and immunohistochemical biopsy findings.Conclusion: Primary colorectal choriocarcinoma is a very rare entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of gynecomastia.Abbreviations: β-hCG human chorionic gonadotropin