GYNAECOMASTIA IN CHORION-EPITHELIOMA – OESTROGEN LEVELS AND PROBABLE PATHOGENESIS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Two men with chorionepithelioma and gynaecomastia are described. In both, urinary oestrogens (Brown et al. 1957) were similar with very high total oestrogens and an excess of oestrone. Urinary gonadotrophins were also elevated. Autopsy examination in one case revealed a seminoma of the testis in association with widespread chorionepithelioma metastases and the presence of interstitial cell hyperplasia and tubular atrophy in the unaffected testis. It is concluded that the gynaecomastia was produced by excess oestrogens due to the action of chorionic gonadotrophin on the interstitial cells of the testis.