Abstract

Positive staining of ß-HCG (beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin) and AFP (alfafetoprotein) is an uncommon and surprising phenomenon in malignant lymphoma cells. Two cases, one primary and the other secondary testicular lymphoma with clinical, histological and immunohistochemical findingf, were presented. Strong expression of CD 45 (LCA), CD 20, ß-HCG and AFP was observed on the membranes and cytoplasm of neoplastic cells. Although the positivity of ß-HCG in malignant tumors like gastrointestinal, bladder and lung cancer is well known, there are only two papers reporting this surprising positivity in malignant lymphoma. AFP expression has never been reported. To avoid a misdiagnosis, pathologist should be careful about the possible ß-HCG and AFP expression by lymphoma cells especially at localization where germ celi tumors are commonly found.