Choriocarcinoma

Alternative names:

chorioblastoma; chorioepithelioma; invasive/malignant mole; trophoblastic tumor

Definition:

A malignant, rapidly growing, and potentially metastatic tumor that develops from fetal tissue. See also hydatid mole.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In approximately one-half of cases of choriocarcinoma, the preceding factor is hydatidiform mole. Nearly one-fourth follow a term pregnancy. The remainder follow an abortion (spontaneous or elective and/or therapeutic), ectopic pregnancy, or genital tumor.

The incidence of choriocarcinoma in the United States is 1 out of 40,000 pregnancies; however, it is higher in Mexico and some Asian countries. It usually occurs in women over 40 years old. Increased risk is associated with incomplete abortions. Other risk factors include those for hydatidiform mole, such as low socioeconomic status, specific geographic regions, and low protein in the diet or insufficient amounts of folic acid and carotene.