Choriocarcinoma: This is fast growing type of cancer developing in a woman’s uterus. The cells are abnormal and begin in the tissue that would develop into the placenta which is the organ that develops when pregnancy to provide nutrients to the fetus.

Choriocarcinoma is a kind of “gestational trophoblastic” disease.

This disease is a rare, but quite curable cancer related to pregnancy. A baby may not or may grow in these pregnancies.

Cancer may develop following a pregnancy that is normal; but, it is more often linked with a whole hydatidiform mole. The atypical tissue from this mole may keep growing even after it is removed and it may develop into cancer. Almost half of all women with a choriocarcinomas had a molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole. Choriocarcinomas can also happen following an abortion, genital tumor, and etopic pregnancy.

Possible symptoms are continued bleeding vaginally in women with a history of a recent hydatidiform mole, pregnancy or abortion. Additional symptoms can include: ovarian cysts, irregular vaginal bleeding, uneven swelling of the uterus, and pain.

Tests that can be run to diagnose this condition include: a pregnancy test which will normally be positive even when the individual is not pregnant. Hormone of pregnancy HCG level will be high persistently. A pelvic exam may expose continued uterine swelling or a tumor.

Blood tests that can be done consist of: serum HCG, total blood count, test for liver function, kidney function tests. Imaging tests that can be done include MRI or CT scan. After a diagnosis is made, a complete history as well as physical exam is done to ensure the cancer has not migrated to any other organs. Chemotherapy is the chief treatment.

Radiation therapy as well as a hysterectomy is rarely needed.