alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) demonstrated in the immature glands of mediastinal teratocarcinoma: a case report.
A 21-year-old man with mediastinal teratocarcinoma showed high levels of serum tumor markers: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). After modified VAC chemotherapy (vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide), AFP and HCG levels in the serum were reduced significantly, while serum CEA increased gradually to the level of 6.5 ng/ml. Histopathologic study of the tumor obtained by surgical resection and autopsy revealed teratocarcinoma (a combination of embryonal carcinoma and teratoma). By the indirect immunoperoxidase technique, the antigens AFP, HCG, and CEA were stained in the immature glandular tissues of teratoma. By serial section of the tumor, the antigens tested were found in the same gland of the tumor. In addition, the tumor contained high levels of AFP (17353.8 ng/g.wt.), beta-HCG (beta-HCG) (125.05 ng/g.wt.), and CEA (11.37 ng/g.wt.).
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen / Q000032:analysis*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000032:analysis*; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013724:Teratoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002272:Carcinoembryonic Antigen; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins