Frequent expression of β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) has been detected within tissue homogenates, culture fluid, and sera of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Studies regarding in vivo localization of β-hCG in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix are scant and conflicting. Cervical samplings (biopsy and/or curettage specimens) of 63 cases of poorly differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were initially stained by the immunoperoxidase technique for the presence of β-hCG and human placental lactogen (hPL). Based on β-hCG reactivity, patients were divided into β- hCG-positive and β-hCG-negative groups. Thirty-three of the 63 (52%) cases showed localization of β-hCG in tumor cells. Subsequent specimens of patients, who underwent surgical treatment, were likewise examined for β-hCG reactivity. These surgical specimens showed focal β-hCG reactivity in the β-hCG-positive group only. The β-hCG reactivity was seen in both high-grade SIL (CIN III), invasive squamous cell carcinoma, and its metastases. The focal β-hCG reactivity was predominantly confined to the peripheral tumor cells at the stromal-epithelial interface in noninvasive and invasive lesions. Intensity of immunostaining was moderate to strong. The β-hCG staining was observed in different cancer stages and in various age groups. No hPL reactivity was seen in any cases. Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix showing immunoreactivity for β-hCG should be distinguished from choriocarcinoma and other trophoblastic tumors.