Definition of Choriocarcinoma:

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:

• Gestational trophoblastic disease
• Hydatiform mole

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.