Chorioblastoma; Trophoblastic tumor; Chorioepithelioma; Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
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.
For additional information, see cancer resources.
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:
Many women (about 70%) who initially have a poor outlook go into remission (a disease-free state).
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.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms arise within 1 year after hydatidiform mole, abortion (including miscarriage), or term pregnancy.
Berkowitz RS, Goldstein DP. Gestational trophoblastic diseases. In: Hoskins WJ, Perez CA, Young RC, Barakat RR, Markman M, Randall ME, eds. Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005:1055-1076.
Kavanagh JJ, Gershenson DM. Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: Hydatidiform Mole, Nonmetastatic and Metastatic Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor: Diagnosis and Management. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: chap. 35.