Persistent trophoblastic disease
Choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer that occurs in around1 in 50,000 pregnancies. It affects less than 20 women each year in the UK.
Choriocarcinoma can develop if the cells left behind after a pregnancy become cancerous. This can happen after any pregnancy, but it is more likelyafter molar pregnancies. It can occur several months, or even years, after a pregnancy.
Although choriocarcinoma starts in the womb, it can spread to other parts of the bodymost commonly, the lungs. If it spreads to your lungs, you may have symptoms such as coughing , difficulty breathing and chest pain.
If choriocarcinoma spreads to your abdomen, you may experience abdominal pain. If it spreads to your vagina, you may have heavy bleeding and a lump (nodule) may develop on your vagina. If it spreads to your brain, it may cause headaches or seizures.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
introduction
Persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma are very rare and are part of a group of tumours called gestational trophoblastic tumours (GTTs).
Persistent trophoblastic disease
In the UK, about1 in 600 pregnancies each year are found to be a Trophoblastic disease , where the foetus and placenta do not form properly and a baby does not usually develop. This typically results
Choriocarcinoma
Choriocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer that occurs in around1 in 50,000 pregnancies. It affects less than 20 women each year in the UK. Choriocarcinoma can develop if the cells left behind aft
Risks
Both persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma are very rare. If you have had a molar pregnancy, you will be monitored closely in case you develop either of these conditions. If you have h
Outlook
Overall, the outlook for persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma is excellent, and 98-100% of women who develop a gestational trophoblastic cancer are cured. However, the outlook for each
Want to know more?
Cancer Research UK: persistent trophoblastic disease and choriocarcinoma Charing Cross Hospital: Hydatidiform Mole and Choriocarcinoma UK Information and Support Service The Sheffield Trophoblast
What is cancer?
The body is made up of millions of different types of cells. Cancer occurs when cells multiply in an abnormal way. When cancer affects organs and solid tissues, it causes a growth (tumour) to form. C
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