Abstract
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.
Ectopic Pregnancy With Low Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) Managed With Methotrexate and Progressed to Rupture
