Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia natural history, complications and prognosis

Template:Choriocarcinoma Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Natural history

Gestational choriocarcinoma may spread to other sites, including: reproductive organs – vagina, ovaries, Fallopian tube, cervix and ligaments of the uterus lungs brain liver spleen kidneys colon and small intestine

Read more: http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/gestational-trophoblastic-disease/if-cancer-spreads/?region=ns#ixzz3noP8qKT2

Prognosis

• Most women whose cancer has not spread can be cured and will maintain reproductive function.

• The condition is harder to cure if the cancer has spread and one of more of the following events occur:

• Disease has spread to the liver or brain
• Pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is greater than 40,000 mIU/mL at the time treatment begins
• Cancer returns after having chemotherapy in the past
• Symptoms or pregnancy occurred for more than 4 months before treatment began
• Choriocarcinoma occurred after a pregnancy that resulted in the birth of a child

• Many women (about 70%) who initially have a poor outlook go into remission (a disease-free state).

Complications

• A choriocarcinoma may come back after treatment, usually within several months but possibly as late as 3 years.

• Complications associated with chemotherapy can also occur.