In molecular biology human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblast a component of the fertilized egg after conception. Following implantation the syncytiotrophoblast gives rise to 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.
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