[Choriocarcinoma with pulmonary metastasis: diagnosis and treatment].

INTRODUCTION

Choriocarcinoma is a rare tumour which results from the anarchic proliferation of a gonadic or extra gonadic germinal cell.

CASE REPORT

A 45 year old pre menopausal woman of African origin presented with a persistent cough and deterioration of general status. The chest X-ray revealed a cavitated mass of the right upper lobe. Other lesions were associated (liver, kidney and scalp). Choriocarcinoma, suspected in the presence of an elevated ssHCG without a gravid uterus, was confirmed by biopsy excision of a haemorrhagic cutaneous lesion of the scalp. Despite the poor prognosis methotrexate based chemotherapy resulted in control of the disease and a good remission.