To report a rare case of non-gestational choriocarcinoma (NGCC) in a male patient presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy and discuss the associated diagnostic challenges.
Approach:
Case Presentation: A 38-year-old male presented with a painless mass in the left cervical region that had persisted for more than one year, with elevated serum β-hCG and extensive lymph node involvement.
Key Findings:
NGCC is a rare and aggressive malignancy in males, often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Cervical lymphadenopathy can be the initial manifestation of NGCC, complicating diagnosis.
Elevated β-hCG levels are a key indicator for diagnosing NGCC.
Interpretation:
Early recognition of NGCC is crucial, particularly when patients present with unexplained cervical lymphadenopathy and elevated β-hCG levels.
Limitations:
The rarity of NGCC in males may limit generalizability of findings.
The case highlights challenges in diagnosis due to atypical presentations, including the potential for misdiagnosis.
Conclusion:
This case emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation in male patients with cervical lymphadenopathy to avoid diagnostic delays.