Human chorionic gonadotropin as a biological marker in breast carcinoma

Serum HCG levels were determined in benign and malignant breast tumor patients. Serum HCG levels were elevated in 1/18 (5.6%) benign, 8/27 (29.6%) localised and 15/41 (36.6%) metastatic breast carcinoma cases. The incidence of HCG elevation increased with multiple sites of involvement. The incidence of HCG elevation was similar for different organ sites of involvement. In view of these observations, the serum HCG levels may be of value in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast tumors, but have no value in the staging of breast carcinomas.