Definition for View source for Human chorionic gonadotropin

Human chorionic gonadotropin or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is a [[glycoprotein]] hormone produced during pregnancy that is made by the developing embryo after conception and later by the syncytiotrophoblast (part of the placenta). Some cancerous tumors produce this hormone; therefore, elevated levels measured when the patient is not pregnant can lead to a cancer diagnosis. However, it is not known whether this production is a contributing cause or an effect of [[tumorigenesis]]. The pituitary analog of hCG, known as [[luteinizing hormone (LH)]], is produced in the pituitary gland of males and females of all ages.