Choriocarcinoma of the esophagus producing chorionic gonadotropin

An autopsy case of primary esophageal choriocarcinoma in a 42-year-old Japanese male is reported. The tumor was pure choriocarcinoma typical hemorrhagic and necrotic nature occupying almost the entire circumference of the mid-esophagus. The choriocarcinoma had metastasized to the liver, lung and lymph nodes. In the esophageal tumor, immunohistochemical staining showed the presence of mainly human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), with human placental lactogen (HPL) in a few syncytiotrophoblastic cells. Only 3 cases of extragonadal choriocarcinoma originating in the esophagus have been reported up to now. The possible pathogenesis and pathological characteristics of primary esophageal choriocarcinoma are discussed.