Choriocarcinoma After Full-Term Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Choriocarcinoma is a disease associated with uncontrollable proliferation and malignant change of cells of the placenta and belongs to the malignant end of the spectrum in gestational trophoblastic disease. These tumours are usually developed after molar pregnancies, and their incidence after full-term pregnancies is extremely rare. We present a very rare case of a 30-year-old lady, admitted with a five-month history of vaginal bleeding after a normal pregnancy. The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was at a level of 209,566. A pelvic ultrasound scan revealed an endometrial thickness of 6 cm and the presence of an intra-uterine mass measuring 56 x 50 x 45 mm. After discussion with the regional gestational trophoblastic disease centre, we proceeded to a surgical evacuation of the uterus, which confirmed a post-partum choriocarcinoma (International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) score 9). Care was continued in the specialised centre with multi-agent chemotherapy. The response was excellent, and the patient was subsequently discharged after 10 cycles of chemotherapy, and a 10-year follow-up was arranged. Choriocarcinomas after full-term pregnancies are a rare entity. Even when they happen, they are usually associated with pregnancy complications in the ante-natal period. The prognosis is usually very good, provided that prompt diagnosis and referral to a specialised centre are made. Low-risk patients are usually treated with methotrexate monotherapy, whereas high-risk women would normally require multi-agent chemotherapy. The diagnosis of choriocarcinoma might be proven challenging even for experienced clinicians. Women should be informed that the prognosis is usually excellent, provided that they receive the right treatment.