The diagnosis of ectopic CG syndrome could be achieved by the measurement of plasma CG or the b-subunit of CG by immunoassays; routine urinary pregnancy tests should be avoided since they are not always sensitive. It is worth noting that in the male patient with bilateral gynaecomastia and plasma CG elevation, the presence of lung cancer or germ cell tumours of the testis or extragonadal sites should be sought vigorously.
The presence of gynaecomastia may be unpleasant since it is sometimes painful and may be emotionally distressing. This abnormality can be treated by surgical reduction.
