Choriocarcinoma Health Article

Definition

Choriocarcinoma is quick-growing form of cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells start in the tissue that would normally become the placenta, the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.

Choriocarcinoma is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease.

See also:

• Gestational trophoblastic disease
• Hydatiform mole

Alternative Names

Chorioblastoma; Trophoblastic tumor; Chorioepithelioma; Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Choriocarcinoma is an uncommon, but very often curable cancer associated with pregnancy. A baby may or may not develop in these types of pregnancy.

The cancer may develop after a normal pregnancy, however, it is most often associated with a complete hydatidiform mole. The abnormal tissue from the mole can continue to grow even after it is removed and can turn into cancer. About half of all women with a choriocarcinoma had a hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy.

Choriocarcinomas may also occur after an abortion, ectopic pregnancy, or genital tumor.

Symptoms

A possible symptom is continued vaginal bleeding in a woman with a recent history of hydatidiform mole, abortion, or pregnancy.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Ovarian cysts
• Uneven swelling of the uterus
• Pain

Signs and tests

A pregnancy test will be positive even when you are not pregnant. Pregnancy hormone (HCG) levels will be presistently high.

A pelvic examination may reveal continued uterine swelling or a tumor.

Blood tests that may be done include:

• Quantitative serum HCG
• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests

Imaging tests that may be done include:

• CT scan
• MRI

Treatment

After an initial diagnosis, a careful history and examination are done to make sure the cancer has not spread to other organs. Chemotherapy is the main type of treatment.

A hysterectomy and radiation therapy are rarely needed.

Support Groups

For additional information, see cancer resources.