What common tumor marker is associated with testicular cancer?

The common tumor marker associated with testicular cancer is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is typically present in greater amounts in males with certain types of testicular cancer, particularly non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. Measuring hCG levels can help in diagnosing testicular cancer, assessing the effectiveness of treatment, and monitoring for recurrence after treatment.

Understanding the role of hCG in testicular cancer is essential, as it provides both diagnostic and prognostic information. Elevated hCG levels in a male patient can be indicative of testicular malignancy, leading to further investigation and appropriate management.

In the context of other tumor markers: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is primarily associated with prostate cancer; AFC (Alpha-fetoprotein) can be elevated in some testicular cancers, particularly in conjunction with hCG, but it is not as commonly recognized as the primary marker; LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) is a nonspecific marker that may be elevated in various cancers and conditions but is not solely indicative of testicular cancer. Thus, hCG stands out as the most relevant and commonly assessed tumor marker in the context of testicular cancer.