Unusual presentation of a metastatic choriocarcinoma following a full term pregnancy: a case report

Eur J Gynaecol Oncol. 1996;17(4):271-3.

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma most commonly follows a molar pregnancy, but it may develop after any gestational event. If choriocarcinoma follows a term pregnancy, it is associated with an unfavorable outcome and a 60% survival rate. A 33 year female who had delivered a normal girl 4 months before, presented with a nodule on the scalp behind the right ear. The pathologic diagnosis was compatible with metastatic choriocarcinoma. This tumor did not respond to chemotherapy, and she died a year later of multiple liver and pulmonary metastases. The development of a choriocarcinoma following a full term pregnancy is associated with a poor prognosis. We suggest that patients who do not achieve a clinical or serological remission after EMA-CO treatment be considered for high dose chemotherapy such as transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Choriocarcinoma / pathology
  • Choriocarcinoma / secondary*
  • Choriocarcinoma / therapy
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cranial Irradiation
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Dactinomycin / administration & dosage
  • Etoposide / administration & dosage
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage
  • Pregnancy
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Dactinomycin
  • Vincristine
  • Etoposide
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Methotrexate

Supplementary concepts

  • EMA-CO protocol