Choriocarcinoma: Symptoms and Treatment

Choriocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops in the woman's uterus (womb). The cancer associated with pregnancy is highly malignant, in which the cancerous cells multiply and spread rapidly to the other organs of the body, especially the lungs. Choriocarcinoma begins from the tissues of the reproductive system and gradually spreads through the blood stream.

Choriocarcinoma usually occurs after a pregnancy. A woman who underwent a molar pregnancy is at a greater risk of developing this form of cancer. A molar pregnancy is a complication of a pregnancy, in which the fetus does not develop fully. Instead, an abnormal tissue (tumor) is formed. The tumor developed can be either benign or malignant (cancerous).

Causes of Choriocarcinoma

The reasons behind choriocarcinoma are still unknown. A woman on a low protein diet and deficiency of other nutrients, has a higher chance of molar pregnancy.

Symptoms of Choriocarcinoma

The patient may not show any symptoms, until the cancer has reached the later stages. In the early stage of choriocarcinoma, the pregnancy may appear normal. However, the doctor must check for vaginal bleeding. Cancerous growth is observed in other body parts by the time the disease is diagnosed. In some cases, the following symptoms are observed.

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Ovarian cysts (Fluid filled sacs within the ovary)
• Lower abdomen pain
• Abnormal swelling of the uterus is observed
• Vomiting or nausea
• Abnormal nipple discharge
• Enlarged uterus resulting into a swollen abdomen
• No reduction in the size of the uterus even after delivery

Diagnosis for Choriocarcinoma

An internal pelvic examination is the first test, that may help detect the tumor. The doctor may observe an unusual size or shape of the uterus. Many a times, an ultrasound test is performed, in which sound waves are used to find tumors. Blood tests are done to check the pregnancy hormone level. In case, the woman is not pregnant but the test shows presence of an hormone, then it can be a warning sign of choriocarcinoma.

Treatment for Choriocarcinoma

Treatment can be highly effective, especially if the disease is detected in its early stages. Chemotherapy is primarily used to treat choriocarcinoma. Large doses of chemotherapy drugs are given to kill the cancer cells. The drugs are taken orally or administered through an injection. These drugs travel through the blood stream and target cancerous cells. Other treatment involves the surgical removal of the woman's uterus. This procedure is known as hysterectomy and is rarely needed for the treatment of choriocarcinoma. Radiation therapy may be used in case the cancer has affected the brain. The disease is difficult to cure if the cancer cells spread to the brain or liver.

The chances of recovery completely depend on how far the cancer cells have spread into the body. Early diagnosis is the key to improve the outcome. Careful monitoring of the patient who has undergone a molar pregnancy can help diagnose the disease when it is not in the advanced stage. The probability of a complete recovery is high, if the the disease is diagnosed during early stages of development.