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Hyperthyroidism in non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors: two case reports and literature review

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Christoph OingORCiD, Dr Pasquale RescignoORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

Copyright © 2024 Favero, Oing, Seidel, Rescigno, Catalano, Cremante, Rebuzzi, Gatto, Rosti, Ferone, Fornarini and Cocchiara. Background: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)–induced hyperthyroidism is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome observed in non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors, due to a cross-reaction between the β-subunit of hCG with the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor. The precise prevalence of this paraneoplastic phenomenon is unclear as, in the majority of cases, hyperthyroidism remains subclinical. Case presentation: Here, we present two cases of advanced metastatic non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumors where patients exhibited signs and symptoms of thyrotoxicosis at primary diagnosis due to excessive serum β-hCG elevation, with complete remission of symptomatology after the start of oncological treatments and no signs of relapse at the time of publication of this report. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature concerning this uncommon occurrence. Conclusion: Despite being a rare event, the presence of hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis without clear etiology in a young man should lead to consider less frequent causes such as testicular tumors. Even if patients typically have mild symptoms that resolve after chemotherapy, in rare cases, it can be a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and specific intervention.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Favero D, Oing C, Seidel C, Rescigno P, Catalano F, Cremante M, Rebuzzi SE, Gatto F, Rosti G, Ferone D, Fornarini G, Cocchiara F

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Frontiers in Oncology

Year: 2024

Volume: 14

Online publication date: 27/03/2024

Acceptance date: 26/02/2024

Date deposited: 24/07/2024

ISSN (electronic): 2234-943X

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1338438

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1338438

Data Access Statement: The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/supplementary material. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

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