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Abnormal hCG levels in a patient with treated stage I seminoma: a diagnostic dilemma
Noel J Aherne1, Cormac A Small, Gerard P McVey
1Department of Radiation Oncology, St, Luke's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. noelaherne@eircom.net
Background:
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 Presentation:
The 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.
Conclusion:
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.
