Work

Balloon-Release Pattern on the Chest X-ray of a Young Male Patient With Metastatic Testicular Choriocarcinoma: A Case Report of an Aggressive Pulmonary Presentation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: While testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most common malignancies in young men, choriocarcinoma (CC) represents one of the rarest subtypes within this group. CC is a non-spermatogonial germ cell tumor (GCT) with a highly aggressive presentation, requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis and management without delay. We present a case of a 24-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Physical examination revealed muscle wasting, fever, and a right testicular mass. A chest X-ray demonstrated a "cannonball" pattern of multiple pulmonary nodules. Chest CT confirmed bilateral pulmonary metastases, with the largest lesion measuring 8×7 cm, causing compression of the left pulmonary artery. An abdominopelvic CT revealed a 6×5 cm right testicular tumor. Further evaluation and orchiectomy confirmed metastatic CC, a rare form of TC. The patient was started on urgent chemotherapy and referred to a tertiary care center. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of aggressive metastatic CC and the need for prompt intervention in TC.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85915

Authors: Idalberto Luis Fernandez Eng, Yoniel Suarez-Guerrero, Eliany Leon Figueredo, Alicia de Fuenmayor Icardo, Idania Maria Cruzata Matos

Institutions: Hospital de La Ribera, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Holguín

Language: English

Topic: Testicular diseases and treatments

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4411280078