Choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare form of pregnancy-related cancer that responds well to chemotherapy drugs and has excellent recovery rates.
Here's what you need to know about this type of cancer, including who is at risk and the symptoms to look out for.
What is choriocarcinoma?
Choriocarcinoma is a rare malignant tumor formed from the tissue and cells that would grow into the placenta. It’s a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) — a group of rare illnesses in which abnormal cells grow inside the uterus from tissue that forms after conception.[1]
This type of GTD most often occurs after a molar pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion or ectopic pregnancy, when any left-behind placental tissues continue to develop despite the absence of a fetus.
It can also occur after a full-term delivery. That said, it’s very uncommon, happening in only 1 out of every 40,000 pregnancies.
Who is most at risk for choriocarcinoma?
The risk of choriocarcinoma increases in women who:
Are over age 40
Have had a previous molar pregnancy (when fluid-filled sacs or tumors develop inside your uterus instead of a placenta during pregnancy)
Have had an abortion
Have a history of miscarriage
Have had an ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube)
Have a family history of the disease
Are Asian or Native American
If you have concerns, make sure to discuss them with your OB/GYN, who can tell you more about your health history and explore any potential risks with you as soon as possible.
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What are some symptoms of choriocarcinoma?
Here are a few signs of choriocarcinoma to watch out for:
Continued vaginal bleeding after a molar pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion or ectopic pregnancy, possibly with blood clots or a watery brown discharge
Abnormal tissue discharge
Pelvic pain or discomfort
hCG levels that do not return to normal after a pregnancy has ended
If you've had an ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion or molar pregnancy, be sure to see your practitioner for regular follow-up visits to make sure you're healing properly.
Discuss any concerns with your doctor, and call your practitioner if you experience any symptoms listed above within a year of the end of your pregnancy.
How is choriocarcinoma treated?
Choriocarcinoma typically responds extremely well to chemotherapy and radiation treatments and has a cure rate of more than 90 percent.[2]
And here’s some more good news: Hysterectomy is almost never necessary because of this type of tumor's excellent response to chemotherapy drugs.
What can you do for your overall health if you have choriocarcinoma?
If you’ve been diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, consider joining an online or in-person cancer support group. You may decide to quietly sit in on a meeting as you gather information or talk with other women who are going through the same thing.
Try to focus on taking care of yourself and reach out to supportive friends and family to help you get through this difficult time. Follow a healthy diet and exercise routine as much as possible, with your doctor’s approval. Research has shown that exercise, stress relief through yoga and meditation, and a diet of whole grains, leafy green vegetables, legumes (beans) and fruit have a positive effect on your health.
As hard as it may be at times, also try to take some comfort in knowing that this very rare cancer is also very treatable and curable. Chances are good that you and your baby will get through this just fine with the help of your health care team and support system, and in time, you’ll be cancer-free and healthy again.
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