Elevated human chorionic gonadotropin HCG serum level in germ cell testicular tumor

Abstract

HCG is a glycoprotein hormone composed of two dissimilar subunits, α and β, joined noncovalently. It is produced by trophoblast tissue in pregnancy and trophoblast disease and in small amounts by certain poorly differentiated cancers. The α-subunit of HCG is similar to that of the pituitary glycoprotein hormones. It is produced principally by the trophoblastic cells of the placenta but may also be produced by nontrophoblastic tissues including normal pituitary and neoplastic cells [3]. It is normal for non-pregnant women and men to make very small amounts of HCG, with blood levels less than 5mIU/mL. If HCG is high in non-pregnant women or men, it may indicate cancer [4]. Where used in malignant causes as tumor marker which is secreted by some cancers including choriocarcinoma, endometrium, and ovarian carcinoma. HCG is elevated in most type of testicular cancer seminomas and non-seminoma germ cell testicular tumors.