This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Ruchi Garg, MD, Chair, Gynecologic Oncology, City of Hope Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix
This page was reviewed on May 16, 2022.
Choriocarcinomas are rare cancers that most often occur in the uterus. This cancer type originates in trophoblast cells, which help form the placenta during pregnancy. However, this cancer can be either gestational (during pregnancy) or non-gestational (outside of pregnancy term).
Choriocarcinomas are considered to be aggressive and may spread to other areas of the body, including:
It’s one of several types of gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTDs), and it often is associated with with molar (abnormal) pregnancies. Choriocarcinomas account for 5 percent of GTDs, occurring in up to seven out of every 100,000 pregnancies in the United States, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
In rare cases, this cancer type can develop in men who have a mixed germ cell tumor. Treatment can have positive, long-term outcomes, especially if the choriocarcinoma is caught early.
If you or a relative has been diagnosed with a choriocarcinoma, below is an overview to help you learn more about this type of cancer.
Some women with choriocarcinomas may notice the following symptoms:
Choriocarcinomas are caused when cells that usually form the placenta—called trophoblasts—become cancerous.
Any woman who has ever been pregnant (ectopic, miscarriage, abortion, or normal pregnancy) may develop choriocarcinoma however, a higher risk is associated with those who have had complete or partial molar pregnancy.
Choriocarcinomas don’t necessarily develop right after pregnancy. They can sometimes occur months or years later.
A few other risk factors to consider include:
If choriocarcinomas are suspected, doctors have access to a number of diagnostic tools. The doctor visit may start with a pelvic examination, checking the uterus and ovaries for a change in size. A pregnancy test is often used also, because a hormone known as HCG is found in high levels in women with choriocarcinomas.
Other commonly used diagnostic tools include:
It’s normal for a patient to feel nervous or scared, but a care team can help. Specialists within the team help talk patients through what happens next and what to expect. Patients shouldn’t hesitate to ask questions if they’re unsure about anything being said.
In most choriocarcinoma cases, the cancer is treated with chemotherapy, which is a medical treatment to destroy cancer cells using drugs. It’s usually given intravenously and is a very successful treatment option for choriocarcinomas.
Sometimes, radiation and/or a hysterectomy may be used. Treatment decisions are made by patients and their doctors and depend on many factors, including age, overall health, and personal goals and preferences.