American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Which of the following tumors is characterized by the presence of beta-HCG but no AFP?

Teratoma
Seminoma
Lymphoma
Neurogenic tumors

The correct answer is: Seminoma

The presence of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) without alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is specifically indicative of a seminoma, which is a type of germ cell tumor found primarily in the testes. Seminomas are known for their production of beta-HCG in some cases, particularly in the pure form of the tumor. They typically do not secrete AFP, which distinguishes them from other germ cell tumors, such as non-seminomatous germ cell tumors like embryonal carcinoma, teratomas, or mixed germ cell tumors, where AFP may be present. In contrast, teratomas can produce both beta-HCG and AFP, depending on their composition, while lymphoma does not usually produce either marker. Neurogenic tumors, such as those arising from nerve sheath, do not produce these markers. Therefore, the presence of beta-HCG alone, alongside the absence of AFP, is a characteristic finding in seminomas, confirming the significance of this tumor type in the context of tumor markers.