Pericardial Tamponade Caused by Tumor Hemorrhage – a Rare Complication of Metastatic Testicular Choriocarcinoma

Testicular germ cell cancers are relatively rare with the incidence rate of 3.7 cases per 100,000 per year. Nevertheless they represent the most frequent malignant tumors in men aged 15–35 years. Pure choriocarcinoma comprises only 1 % of all testicular malignancies, but mixed germ cell cancers contain choriocarcinoma elements more frequently. Unlike other histological subtypes , chor iocarc inoma metas tas ize ear ly and hematogenously, so it is often diagnosed in advanced stage [1]. Metastatic, choriocarcinoma containing germ cell cancers can be complicated by serious bleeding from metastatic sites known as the choriocarcinoma syndrome [2].