Ectopic production and localization of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin in lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the cervix: a case report

Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2000 Apr;19(2):179-82. doi: 10.1097/00004347-200004000-00014.

Abstract

A 32-year-old woman underwent a suction curettage for missed abortion. The initial serum human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) level was 40 IU/ml. The histologic examination of the uterine curettage specimen showed scant strips of a poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm and no chorionic villi. The tumor showed strong immunoreactivity for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and beta-hCG but no reactivity for human placental lactogen. The combination of histologic appearance, beta-hCG immunoreactivity, and elevation of serum beta-hCG raised a strong suspicion for epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT). Postcurettage serial serum beta-hCG levels remained in the range of 20 to 45 micrograms/ml. Computerized tomographic scan showed a 1.0-cm circumscribed mass in the upper endocervix. A radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed. Gross examination of the hysterectomy specimen likewise showed a well-circumscribed mass in the upper endocervix. Histologic examination revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma accompanied by intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. A final diagnosis of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) was rendered. LELC with elevated serum beta-hCG level and immunoreactivity to beta-hCG should be distinguished from ETT in a small endocervical curettage sample.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Missed
  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / chemistry*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / analysis*
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / blood
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Keratins / analysis
  • Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Necrosis
  • Placental Lactogen / analysis
  • Plasma Cells / pathology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Trophoblastic Neoplasms
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human
  • Keratins
  • Placental Lactogen