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

Human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) has been detected within tissue hom ogenates, culture fluid, and sera of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Studies regarding in vivo localization of beta-hCG in squamo us cell carcinoma of the cervix are scant and conflicting. Cervical samplin gs (biopsy and/or curettage specimens) of 63 cases of poorly differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were initially stained by t he immunoperoxidase technique for the presence of beta-hCG and human placen tal lactogen (hPL). Based on beta-hCG reactivity, patients were divided int o beta-hCG-positive and beta-hCG-negative groups. Thirty-three of the 63 (5 2%) cases showed localization of beta-hCG in tumor cells. Subsequent specim ens of patients, who underwent surgical treatment, were likewise examined f or beta-hCG reactivity. These surgical specimens showed focal beta-hCG reac tivity in the beta-hCG-positive group only. The beta-hCG reactivity was see n in both high-grade SIL (CIN III), invasive squamous cell carcinoma, and i ts metastases. The focal beta-hCG reactivity was pre dominantly confined to the peripheral tumor cells at the stromal-epithelial interface in noninvas ive and invasive lesions. Intensity of immunostaining was moderate to stron g. The beta-hCG staining was observed in different cancer stages and in var ious age groups. No hPL reactivity was seen in any cases. Poorly differenti ated squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix showing immunoreactivity for beta-hCG should be distinguished from choriocarcinoma and other trophoblas tic tumors.