In testicular germ cell tumors, which marker is most elevated in yolk sac tumors?

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Multiple Choice

In testicular germ cell tumors, which marker is most elevated in yolk sac tumors?

Explanation:
Yolk sac tumors produce alpha-fetoprotein. These tumor cells retain the ability to secrete AFP, so the serum level rises prominently and is used both for diagnosis and monitoring response or recurrence. In contrast, beta-hCG is more associated with choriocarcinoma or mixed tumors that have trophoblastic elements, LDH is a non-specific marker that tracks overall tumor burden, and PSA is not relevant to testicular germ cell tumors. Thus, AFP is the marker most elevated in yolk sac tumors.

Yolk sac tumors produce alpha-fetoprotein. These tumor cells retain the ability to secrete AFP, so the serum level rises prominently and is used both for diagnosis and monitoring response or recurrence. In contrast, beta-hCG is more associated with choriocarcinoma or mixed tumors that have trophoblastic elements, LDH is a non-specific marker that tracks overall tumor burden, and PSA is not relevant to testicular germ cell tumors. Thus, AFP is the marker most elevated in yolk sac tumors.

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