Elevated β-hCG and Delayed Diagnosis of Non-Seminomatous Testicular Cancer: A Case Report Highlighting the Role of Self-Examination in Early Detection
Rodrigo Villarreal-Zavala
Regional General Hospital No. 17, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Cancún, México.
Elvira León-García
Regional General Hospital No. 17, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Cancún, México.
Carlos A. Ruiz-Larios
Regional General Hospital No. 17, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Cancún, México.
María Erika Gutiérrez-De la Cruz
Coordination of Health Research, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Cancún, México.
María Valeria Jiménez-Báez
*
Coordination of Planning and Institutional Liaison, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Cancún, México.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Testicular cancer, while rare, remains the most common solid malignancy among young males aged 14 to 40 years. Early diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes, yet delayed presentation is common.
Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 19-year-old male presenting with hemoptysis and a long-standing painless testicular mass. Laboratory tests revealed markedly elevated β-hCG and normal AFP levels. Imaging showed pulmonary metastases and para-aortic lymphadenopathy. Radical orchiectomy confirmed a non-seminomatous germ cell tumor, and the patient began chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin.
Conclusion: This case underscores the value of testicular self-examination and timely evaluation of testicular abnormalities. Education on self-examination is vital to promote early detection and improve prognosis in testicular cancer.
Keywords: Testicular cancer, β-hCG, self-examination, orchiectomy, germ cell tumor, metastasis, delayed diagnosis