Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used as a tumor marker mainly for gestational trophoblastic disease (including molar pregnancy and choriocarcinoma) and for germ cell tumors, particularly non‑seminomatous testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors. It aids diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response or recurrence. Elevated hCG can occasionally occur with other malignancies but is most specific for these conditions.

hCG can be produced by certain tumors — most commonly germ cell tumors (testicular, ovarian) and choriocarcinoma, and sometimes cancers of the lung, stomach or liver. Elevated hCG may suggest cancer and is used as a tumor marker to help detect or monitor disease, but it is not diagnostic alone. Pregnancy, lab artifacts and other conditions can raise hCG; abnormal results need imaging, pathology and specialist evaluation.

Tumor marker tests measure substances linked to cancer, but they cannot reliably diagnose cancer alone. Elevated markers may suggest disease, recurrence, or treatment response, yet levels can rise from benign conditions or be normal despite cancer. They’re most useful for monitoring therapy and follow-up, sometimes supporting other tests. Diagnosis requires imaging and tissue biopsy; discuss results and next steps with your clinician.

Elevated hCG is classically produced by gestational trophoblastic diseases (molar pregnancy, choriocarcinoma, placental‑site trophoblastic tumor) and by germ‑cell tumors (testicular or ovarian choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma). Less commonly, non‑germ cancers such as some lung, stomach, pancreatic or colorectal tumors can secrete hCG ectopically. An unexpected positive hCG requires prompt medical evaluation to distinguish pregnancy from malignancy.

A normal hCG tumor marker depends on context. In non‑pregnant men and women, most labs consider hCG <5 mIU/mL as normal (5–25 mIU/mL is indeterminate; >25 mIU/mL usually positive). During pregnancy or when monitoring germ‑cell tumors, expected values vary by gestational age and diagnosis—clinicians interpret trends and clinical context rather than a single cutoff.

Costs vary widely by country, the specific marker and whether it’s a single test or panel. Single tumor‑marker assays commonly range from about $10–$200 (≈₹200–1,500 in India). Multi‑marker panels or specialized assays can cost $100–$1,000+; out‑of‑pocket expense depends on insurance. In public healthcare systems, clinically necessary tumor‑marker tests are often covered, so patients may pay nothing.