OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential value of ectopic beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG) measurement in the clinical management of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective serological study of 163 consecutive patients undergoing cystoscopy as new or review cases was performed to assess any correlation between beta HCG production and histological grading or stage. RESULTS: Ten per cent of patients with TCC had a raised beta HCG level but there was no correlation with tumour differentiation, staging or prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: beta HCG has no role as a tumour marker for TCC and therefore appears unlikely to play a part in the clinical management or treatment of urothelial tumours.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the potential value of ectopic beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta HCG) measurement in the clinical management of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective serological study of 163 consecutive patients undergoing cystoscopy as new or review cases was performed to assess any correlation between beta HCG production and histological grading or stage. RESULTS: Ten per cent of patients with TCC had a raised beta HCG level but there was no correlation with tumour differentiation, staging or prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: beta HCG has no role as a tumour marker for TCC and therefore appears unlikely to play a part in the clinical management or treatment of urothelial tumours.