TriangleHEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING
Elevated AFP and/or Beta-hCG (Germ Cell Paradigm)
Source: Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 7, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary.
Context: Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Favorable Cancer of Unknown Primary
The presence of elevated serum or tissue levels of AFP and/or beta-hCG suggests testicular cancer or extragonadal germ cell tumor in males. Men younger than 50 years with mediastinal adenopathy and pulmonary metastases have immunohistochemical evidence of AFP and/or beta-hCG in the extragonadal presentation. Diagnostic procedures and therapeutic options should proceed in these directions.
For more information, see Testicular Cancer Treatment and Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors Treatment.
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice