Treatment:

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 hysterectomy and radiation therapy are rarely needed.

Support Groups:

For 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
• Having received 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).

Complications:

A 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 provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms arise within 1 year after hydatidiform mole, abortion (including miscarriage), or term pregnancy.