This article will explain more about choriocarcinoma symptoms and possible complications.
Frequent Symptoms
Symptoms can differ from person to person. In addition, many choriocarcinoma symptoms are similar to some normal pregnancy symptoms, so diagnosis can be difficult.
Common symptoms include:
Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding Pelvic pain with or without vaginal bleedingPelvic pressure Enlargement of the ovaries and uterus Cysts or nodules forming inside the ovaries Anemia (low number of red blood cells) Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting)
Since some symptoms can be hard to distinguish from normal pregnancy or other conditions, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider and get regular prenatal care. You should tell your healthcare provider about all of the symptoms you are experiencing.
Rare Symptoms
It is possible to have other symptoms, especially if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. If it spreads to the brain, it can cause neurological problems. If it spreads to the chest area, it can affect breathing.
Rare symptoms of choriocarcinoma include:
DizzinessHeadachesSeizures Chest pain Coughing Problems breathing Stomach pain
Complications
It is possible to have complications because of choriocarcinoma. They can include:
Uterine infectionsSepsis (life-threatening response to infection) Hemorrhagic shock (life-threatening response to severe blood loss) Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)Preeclampsia (high blood pressure)
Choriocarcinoma can also spread through your blood to reach other organs, such as the lungs, and cause additional complications.
When to See a Doctor/Go to the Hospital
Talk to your healthcare provider or go to the hospital if you have:
Heavy or sudden vaginal bleeding while pregnant Tissue passing from the vagina while pregnant Leaking fluid from the vagina while pregnant Severe vomiting and nausea that prevents you from keeping anything downSevere stomach painSevere pelvic painLower back pain Chest pain Loss of consciousnessSeizures
If you have any concerns about your health or the health of your fetus, call 911 or go to the hospital right away.
Summary
Choriocarcinoma is rare type of cancer that starts inside the uterus and can spread to other organs in the body. It often affects someone during or right after a pregnancy. The most common symptoms are vaginal bleeding and pain.
A Word From Verywell
Choriocarcinoma is very rare, so it is unlikely that your symptoms will turn out to be this cancer. Still, having symptoms can be stressful, especially if you are pregnant. It is important to get regular prenatal care and not miss any appointments. If you do receive a diagnosis, your physicians, oncology team, and other healthcare providers will work together to help you create a treatment plan.
If you get prompt treatment for choriocarcinoma, then the outlook is usually good. Most people can make a full recovery from this type of cancer. Early detection can improve the outcome for choriocarcinoma. Many patients are able to have children in the future after cancer goes into remission.
Is currently pregnantWas recently pregnantHad a miscarriageHad an ectopic pregnancy (fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus)Had an abortion Had a molar pregnancy (noncancerous tumor in the uterus)
It is possible to have this type of cancer even if you had a normal pregnancy and gave birth.
LungsLiverBrainPelvisIntestinesKidneys
