Abnormal hCG levels in a patient with treated Stage I seminoma : a diagnostic dilemma

We report the case of a patient with treated Stage Ia seminoma who was found to have an elevated beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) on routine follow - up. This instigated restaging and could have lead to commencement of chemotherapy.

Case presentationThe patient was a bodybuilder, and following a negative metastatic work - up, admitted to injecting exogenous beta hCG. This was done to reduce withdrawal symptoms from androgen abuse.

The patient remains well eight years post diagnosis.

Conclusions: This case highlights the need for surgical oncologists to conduct vigilant screening of young male patients with a history of testicular germ cell tumours and who may indulge in steroid abuse.

Author: Noel J Aherne, Cormac A Small, Gerard P McVey, David G Fitzpatrick and John G Armstrong
Credits/Source: World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2008, 6:68

Published on: 2008-06-25

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