Choriocarcinoma  is a fast growing cancer that occurs in a woman’s uterus.  The extremely rare form of cancer starts in the tissues that will normally become the placenta. It is a type of  gestational trophoblastic disease.

It usually occurs during pregnancy. A baby  may or may not develop with this type of pregnancy .

The cancer may occur after a normal pregnancy . However it usually occurs after a hydatidiform mole which is  a mass or growth that grows in the womb at the beginning of pregnancy . This abnormal mole tissue can continue to grow even after it is removed and can turn into cancer. About half of women with this type of cancer had a hydatidiform mole  or molar pregnancy.

This type of cancer can also occur after a miscarriage , ectopic pregnancy or a genital tumor.

What are the signs of chariocarcinoma ?

One of the possible symptom is irregular vaginal bleeding in a woman who recently had a hydatidiform mole or pregnancy . Other signs include irregular vaginal bleeding or pain.

How is choriocarcinoma treated ?

After diagnosis , you will be carefully examined to  make sure the cancer has not spread. Chemotherapy is the main treatment option, Hysterectomy and radiation treatment are rarely done.