BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuChoriocarcinomaChorioblastoma; Trophoblastic tumor; Chorioepithelioma; Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia; Cancer - choriocarcinomaChoriocarcinoma is a fast-growing cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells start in the tissue that would normally become the placenta. The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.Choriocarcinoma is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease.Gestational trophoblastic diseaseGestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of pregnancy-related conditions that develop inside a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells s...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Choriocarcinoma is a rare cancer that occurs as an abnormal pregnancy. A baby may or may not develop in this type of pregnancy.The cancer may also occur shortly after a normal pregnancy. But it most often occurs with a complete hydatidiform mole. This is a growth that forms inside the womb at the beginning of a pregnancy. The abnormal tissue from the mole can continue to grow even after attempted removal, and can become cancerous. About one half of all women with a choriocarcinoma had a hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy.Hydatidiform moleHydatidiform mole (HM) is a rare mass or growth that forms inside the womb (uterus) at the beginning of a pregnancy. It is a type of gestational tro...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Choriocarcinomas may also occur after an early pregnancy that does not continue (miscarriage). They may also occur after an ectopic pregnancy or genital tumor.Ectopic pregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus).Read Article Now Book Mark Article TumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms A possible symptom is abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding in a woman who recently had a hydatidiform mole or pregnancy.Vaginal bleedingThis article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms may include:Irregular vaginal bleeding Pain, which may be associated with the bleeding, or due to enlargement of the ovaries that often occurs with a choriocarcinoma Exams and Tests A pregnancy test will be positive, even if you are not pregnant. The pregnancy hormone (HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin) level will be high.A pelvic exam may find an enlarged uterus and ovaries.Blood tests that may be done include:Quantitative serum HCG Quantitative serum HCGA quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG or hCG) blood test measures the specific level of HCG in the blood. HCG is a hormone produced in th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney function tests Kidney function testsKidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include:BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) Creatinin...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function testsLiver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests that may be done include:CT scan MRI Pelvic ultrasound Chest x-rayYou should be carefully monitored after a hydatidiform mole or at the end of a pregnancy. Early diagnosis of choriocarcinoma can improve the outcome. Treatment After you are diagnosed, a careful history and exam will be done to make sure the cancer has not spread to other organs. Chemotherapy is the main type of treatment. It is usually effective.ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Hysterectomy to remove the womb and radiation treatment are rarely needed.HysterectomyHysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman's womb (uterus). The uterus is a hollow muscular organ that nourishes the developing baby during pregnancy...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society -- www. cancer. orgAmerican Childhood Cancer Organiz...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Most women whose cancer has not spread can be cured and will still be able to have children. A choriocarcinoma may come back within a few months to 3 years after treatment.The condition is harder to cure if the cancer has spread and one or more of the following happens:Disease spreads to the liver or brain Pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is higher than 40,000 mIU/mL when treatment begins Cancer returns after having chemotherapy 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 have a poor outlook at first go into remission (a disease-free state). When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms within 1 year after a hydatidiform mole or pregnancy.Open ReferencesReferencesNational Cancer Institute website. Gestational trophoblastic disease treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/gestationaltrophoblastic/HealthProfessional. Updated February 25, 2022. Accessed August 4, 2022.Salani R, Bixel K, Copeland LJ. Malignant diseases and pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 55.AllVideoImagesTogRelated Information Hydatidiform mole(Condition)Abortion - procedure(Surgery)Ectopic pregnancy(Condition)Tumor(Condition)Menopause(Condition)Menopause - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/19/2022 Reviewed By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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ChoriocarcinomaChorioblastoma; Trophoblastic tumor; Chorioepithelioma; Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia; Cancer - choriocarcinomaChoriocarcinoma is a fast-growing cancer that occurs in a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells start in the tissue that would normally become the placenta. The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.Choriocarcinoma is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease.Gestational trophoblastic diseaseGestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of pregnancy-related conditions that develop inside a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells s...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Choriocarcinoma is a rare cancer that occurs as an abnormal pregnancy. A baby may or may not develop in this type of pregnancy.The cancer may also occur shortly after a normal pregnancy. But it most often occurs with a complete hydatidiform mole. This is a growth that forms inside the womb at the beginning of a pregnancy. The abnormal tissue from the mole can continue to grow even after attempted removal, and can become cancerous. About one half of all women with a choriocarcinoma had a hydatidiform mole, or molar pregnancy.Hydatidiform moleHydatidiform mole (HM) is a rare mass or growth that forms inside the womb (uterus) at the beginning of a pregnancy. It is a type of gestational tro...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Choriocarcinomas may also occur after an early pregnancy that does not continue (miscarriage). They may also occur after an ectopic pregnancy or genital tumor.Ectopic pregnancyAn ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb (uterus).Read Article Now Book Mark Article TumorA tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).Read Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms A possible symptom is abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding in a woman who recently had a hydatidiform mole or pregnancy.Vaginal bleedingThis article discusses vaginal bleeding that occurs between a woman's monthly menstrual periods. Such bleeding may be called "intermenstrual bleedin...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms may include:Irregular vaginal bleeding Pain, which may be associated with the bleeding, or due to enlargement of the ovaries that often occurs with a choriocarcinoma Exams and Tests A pregnancy test will be positive, even if you are not pregnant. The pregnancy hormone (HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin) level will be high.A pelvic exam may find an enlarged uterus and ovaries.Blood tests that may be done include:Quantitative serum HCG Quantitative serum HCGA quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG or hCG) blood test measures the specific level of HCG in the blood. HCG is a hormone produced in th...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Complete blood count Complete blood countA complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney function tests Kidney function testsKidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include:BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) Creatinin...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Liver function testsLiver function testsLiver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Imaging tests that may be done include:CT scan MRI Pelvic ultrasound Chest x-rayYou should be carefully monitored after a hydatidiform mole or at the end of a pregnancy. Early diagnosis of choriocarcinoma can improve the outcome. Treatment After you are diagnosed, a careful history and exam will be done to make sure the cancer has not spread to other organs. Chemotherapy is the main type of treatment. It is usually effective.ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Hysterectomy to remove the womb and radiation treatment are rarely needed.HysterectomyHysterectomy is surgery to remove a woman's womb (uterus). The uterus is a hollow muscular organ that nourishes the developing baby during pregnancy...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.Cancer support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society -- www. cancer. orgAmerican Childhood Cancer Organiz...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) Most women whose cancer has not spread can be cured and will still be able to have children. A choriocarcinoma may come back within a few months to 3 years after treatment.The condition is harder to cure if the cancer has spread and one or more of the following happens:Disease spreads to the liver or brain Pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is higher than 40,000 mIU/mL when treatment begins Cancer returns after having chemotherapy 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 have a poor outlook at first go into remission (a disease-free state). When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms within 1 year after a hydatidiform mole or pregnancy.Open ReferencesReferencesNational Cancer Institute website. Gestational trophoblastic disease treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/gestationaltrophoblastic/HealthProfessional. Updated February 25, 2022. Accessed August 4, 2022.Salani R, Bixel K, Copeland LJ. Malignant diseases and pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 55.