choriocarcinoma

Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy that originates from the trophoblast, the cells that form the placenta during pregnancy. The exact cause of this cancerous change is unknown, but it can develop after a hydatidiform mole, abortion, or even a normal pregnancy.12

This tumor typically forms in the uterus as a bleeding, fragile mass. It has a strong tendency to invade uterine tissue and blood vessels, leading to rapid spread through the bloodstream to other organs like the lungs, brain, or liver.1

Historically, choriocarcinoma was almost always fatal. However, significant advancements in chemotherapy, particularly with drugs like methotrexate, have led to improved survival rates, with approximately two out of three patients now surviving.1