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Choriocarcinoma is a 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:
Alternative NamesChorioblastoma; Trophoblastic tumor; Chorioepithelioma; Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsChoriocarcinoma 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.
SymptomsA 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
A pregnancy test will be positive even when you are not pregnant. Pregnancy hormone (HCG) levels will be persistently 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
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 hysterectomyand radiation therapy are rarely needed.
Support GroupsFor additional information, see cancer resources.
Expectations (prognosis)Most women whose cancer has not spread can be cured and will maintain reproductive function.
The condition is harder to cure if the cancer has spread and one of more of the following events occur:
- Disease has spread to the liver or brain
- Pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is greater than 40,000 mIU/mL at the time treatment begins
- Cancer returns after having chemotherapy in the past
- Symptoms or pregnancy occurred for more than 4 months before treatment began
- Choriocarcinoma occurred after a pregnancy that resulted in the birth of a child
Many women (about 70%) who initially have a poor outlook go into remission (a disease-free state).
ComplicationsA choriocarcinoma may come back after treatment, usually within several months but possibly as late as 3 years. Complications associated with chemotherapy can also occur.
Calling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms arise within 1 year after hydatidiform mole, abortion (including miscarriage), or term pregnancy.
PreventionCareful monitoring after the removal of hydatidiform mole or termination of pregnancy can lead to early diagnosis of a choriocarcinoma, which improves outcome.
ReferencesGoldstein DP, Berkowitz RS. Gestational trophoblastic disease. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 94.
Kavanagh JJ, Gershenson DM. Gestational trophoblastic disease: hydatidiform mole, nonmetastatic and metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor: diagnosis and management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 35.
Soper J, Creasman JT. Gestational trophoblastic disease. In: Disaia PJ, Creasman WT, eds. Clinical Gynecologic Oncology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 7.
What else can I help you with?
What is the name of a malignant tumor on the pregnant uterus?
Choriocarcinoma
What is the medical term meaning cancerous tumor of the chorion?
choriocarcinoma
Which tumor marker is used as a screen for choriocarcinoma?
Human chorionic gonadotropin
What is a choriocarcinoma?
Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the tissues that would normally become the placenta during pregnancy. It can occur in both men and women, but is most commonly associated with a type of gestational trophoblastic disease that can follow a molar pregnancy or any type of pregnancy. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy.
What is the medical term meaning malignant tumor of the pregnant uterus?
This is cancer of the placenta, known as placental cancer or Choriocarcinoma
Raised beta hcg in 45 year old male?
Consider the possible testicular tumor -choriocarcinoma/mixed GCT or Seminoma
Can a person die from Choricarcinoma?
Pure choriocarcinoma of the testis represents the most aggressive pathologic variant of germ cell tumors in adults, characteristically with early hematogenous and lymphatic metastatic spread. Because of early spread and inherent resistance to anticancer drugs the prognosis is poor. Mixed choriocarcinoma is treatable. Ask you doctor questions like this.
What is cancer of the womb?
The term "womb" generally refers to the uterus during pregnancy. So cancers of the womb would include all cancers that affect the uterus. There are several types, all of which have specific names (eg, leiomyosarcoma).Another type of cancer that might be associated with the term "womb" is a choriocarcinoma. Choriocarcinoma is a cancer of the placenta. It is relatively common in so-called "molar" pregnancies, specifically complete hydatidiform moles.
What is the prognosis for embryonal and choriocarcinoma cells found in testicular cancer?
The prognosis for embryonal carcinoma and choriocarcinoma cells in testicular cancer is generally favorable, especially when detected early. These tumors are considered aggressive but are highly responsive to chemotherapy, which significantly improves survival rates. With appropriate treatment, the overall cure rate for testicular cancer, including those with these cell types, exceeds 90%. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential to manage any potential recurrence.
What disseminated malignancies has worst prognosis 1 metastatic breast cancer 2 metastatic choriocarcinoma 3 metastatic seminoma 4hodgkin lymphoma 5 non hodgkin lymph?
metastatic breast cancer
What are the symptoms of choriocarcinomas?
The symptoms of a choriocarcinoma vary, depending on where the tumor originates and where it spreads. In the uterus, the most common symptom is bleeding. Cancers in the ovary often have only subtle signs such as widening of the waistline or pain.
What hormone does a choriocarcinoma produce?
Most choriocarcinomas make human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone normally found only during pregnancy. The presence of hCG in the blood can help diagnose this cancer and monitor the success of treatment.
