Production of human chorionic gonadotrophin by a hepatoblastoma resulting in precocious puberty

A two year old boy presented with precocious puberty associated with hepatoblastoma. Serum concentrations of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin and alpha-fetoprotein were raised. An aggressive chemotherapeutic regimen resulted in useful palliation and interesting changes in the beta human chorionic gonadotrophin and alpha-fetoprotein concentrations. In contrast to a previous report, the ultrastructure of the tumour showed frequent Golgi apparatus but no other electron dense membrane bound vesicles.