Lung cancer mimicking as pregnancy with pneumonia

Abstract

Lung cancer that presents with secretion of beta HCG is rare. We report a case of a young female patient who presented with symptoms of pneumonia and was found to have a positive pregnancy test. With non-resolution of the consolidation and progression of her symptoms she subsequently was found to have large cell lung cancer with ectopic beta HCG secretion. Ectopic production of a variety of hormones such as ADH, parathyroid hormone, ACTH, insulin-like growth factor thus leading to presentation as endocrine syndromes in patients with lung cancer is well known. The presentation of lung cancer mimicking as pregnancy has not been previously reported. This case illustrates the importance of considering the possibility of paraneoplastic secretion of beta HCG in female patients who have a positive pregnancy test in an appropriate clinical setting. This may prevent a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancy in young women.