Alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin in a patient with a primary intracranial germ cell tumor.

A 17 year old man with a primary intracranial germ cell tumor in the pituitary region is reported. Both serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were found elevated preoperatively. Normal levels of serum AFP and hCG were found after operation and radiotherapy. By indirect immunofluorescence staining of the tumor tissue a slight staining for AFP was localized to the endodermal vesicles, whereas a more intensive staining for hCG could be identified in the giant cells.