The meaning of the HCG test for cancer markers

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Nong Ngoc Son - Chemotherapy and palliative treatment - Oncology Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a glycoprotein hormone produced in the placenta after an egg is fertilized and attaches to the uterine wall. Therefore, the number indicating the concentration of HCG indicates that a woman's body is pregnant. Some cancerous tumors also produce this hormone, so in people who are not pregnant, high levels of HCG can allow cancer to be diagnosed.

Men's and women's lobes jointly produce an HCG-like substance called luteinizing hormone (LH). Much like LH, HCG is also used clinically to induce ovulation in the ovaries as well as testosterone production in the testes. The concentration of HCG also plays a role in cell differentiation or proliferation and may trigger apoptosis.
The hCG test is done to check the level of hCG in the blood or urine. Some tests accurately quantify hCG levels (blood tests) and others only check for the presence of hormones (urine rapid test strips).
HCG can be used as a marker of cancer, especially tumors of egg or sperm origin (germ cell tumors). hCG levels are usually checked when a person has:
Abnormal growths in the uterus Ovulation (HCG testing may be done after a miscarriage to make sure you don't have an ovum) Cancer uterus Combined with the AFP index , the HCG level is also a cancer marker to monitor germ cell tumors . Testicular cancer in men In men or women who are not pregnant, high hCG levels are also a sign of a cancerous or benign tumor originating in sperm or egg cells (called cysts). germ cells ), such as ovarian or testicular tumors. This can also be seen in certain types of cancer: Stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer or liver cancer.
A normal hCG value does not rule out the possibility of a tumor in the uterus, ovaries or testicles. HCG is only one part of the overall evaluation when a tumor is suspected.

A blood test for hCG is usually more accurate than a urine test.
If the blood test, the patient does not need to fast before the procedure. If you have a urinalysis, the first urine sample of the day is usually best because it has the highest concentration of hCG. A urine sample taken at least 4 hours after the last urinating also contains high levels of hCG. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.
Doctor Nong Ngoc Son has many years of experience directly treating cancer patients, especially in the field of chemotherapy, metastatic late stage cancers, and end-of-life patients.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.