Human chorionic gonadotrophin (b-hCG)

Immunohistochemical expression

Expressed by syncytiotrophoblast but not markedly by other forms of trophoblast or their tumour1.

Diagnostic utility

• As a member of a panel for differentiating between trophoblastic tumour.

• The identification of trophoblastic differentiation in germ cell tumours.

• Ectopic hCG production by other tumours.

• The differentiation of complete and partial molar pregnancies from choriocarcinoma

References

1Singer, G., R. J. Kurman, et al. (2002). "HLA-G immunoreactivity is specific for intermediate trophoblast in gestational trophoblastic disease and can serve as a useful marker in differential diagnosis." Am J Surg Pathol 26(7): 914-20.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop