Lung neoplasm mimicking as ectopic pregnancy due to paraneoplastic secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin: a case report and literature review

PURPOSE: The present systematic review aimed to examine the relationship between lung neoplasm and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Especially, women with lung neoplasm mimicking as ectopic pregnancy were explored. METHODS: A rare case of lung neoplasm with high serum β-HCG, which was initially thought to be ectopic pregnancy, was reported. A literature search was performed of the US National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE), EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using appropriate keywords and subject headings to February 2020. RESULTS: Studies assessed lung neoplasm patients with positive HCG were included. Twenty studies, including 24 patients, were included. These cases illustrate the importance of considering the possibility of paraneoplastic secretion of β-HCG in patients who have a positive pregnancy test. This may prevent a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancy in young women. Of the 24 cases, only 7 (29.17%) were managed surgically; others were managed conservatively or with chemotherapy or radiation. CONCLUSION: The present systematic review shows the need to re-awaken awareness and high index of suspicion to lung neoplasm diagnosis in patients with positive pregnancy test.