Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the tumor marker most characteristically and significantly elevated in pure yolk sac tumors (also known as endodermal sinus tumors) of the testis. AFP is a glycoprotein normally produced by the fetal yolk sac, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Its presence in high levels in an adult male is a strong indicator of a yolk sac tumor component within a testicular germ cell tumor. It is important to note that pure seminomas do NOT produce AFP. Therefore, if a patient with a suspected seminoma has an elevated AFP, it indicates the presence of non-seminomatous elements (like yolk sac tumor), classifying it as a mixed germ cell tumor, which changes treatment strategy. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be elevated in other tumors like choriocarcinoma or some seminomas. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a non-specific marker of tumor burden.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies