Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia overview
Template:Choriocarcinoma Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Choriocarcinoma is a malignant and aggressive cancer of the placenta. It is characterized by early hematogenous spread to the lungs. It belongs to the far end of the spectrum of gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD).
Diagnosis
- increased quantitative betaHCG levels
- vaginal bleeding
- shortness of breath
- hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- chest pain
- chest X-ray shows multiple infiltrates of various shapes in both lungs
- presents in males as a testicular neoplasm