Human chorionic gonadotropin

During pregnancy, the placenta produces HCG. It can also be produced by trophoblastic tumours, some non-trophoblastic cancers, and germ cell tumours containing trophoblastic components in non-pregnant women. During pregnancy, hCG's biological function keeps the corpus luteum intact. It affects the synthesis of steroids as well. Pregnant women's serum primarily includes intact hCG. Here, elevated readings are suggestive of multiple pregnancy, hydatiform mole, or chorionic cancer. Reduced levels suggest ectopic pregnancy, gestosis, intrauterine death, or threatening or missed abortion. Patients suffering from non-pregnancy-related illnesses such as germ cell tumours, ovarian, bladder, pancreatic, stomach, lungs, and liver cancers have elevated hCG concentrations. As well-established indicators, HCG assays that detect both the intact hCG and the free β-subunit can help manage patients with trophoblastic tumours and, when combined with AFP, with patients who have non-seminomatous testicular cancers.