Choriocarcinoma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that arises from trophoblastic cells, which are cells that normally develop into the placenta during pregnancy. Because it originates from pregnancy-related tissue, its symptoms often relate to abnormal bleeding and signs of rapid tumor growth or spread. Understanding the symptoms of choriocarcinoma is crucial for early detection and treatment.
The **most common symptom** of choriocarcinoma is **abnormal vaginal bleeding**. This bleeding can occur after any type of pregnancy event, including a normal pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or molar pregnancy. The bleeding may be irregular, heavy, or prolonged and is often the first sign that something is wrong. In women who have gone through menopause, any vaginal bleeding is abnormal and should be investigated immediately.
Besides vaginal bleeding, women with choriocarcinoma may experience **pelvic pain or pressure**. This can feel like a constant ache or fullness in the lower abdomen or pelvis. Sometimes, pain occurs during sexual intercourse. These symptoms arise because the tumor grows in the uterus or nearby tissues, causing irritation or invasion of surrounding structures.
Because choriocarcinoma is highly malignant and tends to spread quickly, symptoms related to **metastasis** (spread to other parts of the body) are common and can sometimes be the first signs noticed. The lungs are the most frequent site of metastasis, so symptoms like **shortness of breath, coughing, or coughing up blood** may occur. If the cancer spreads to the brain, neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, seizures, or vision changes can develop. Spread to the liver or other organs may cause abdominal pain or swelling.
Another important symptom is **persistent elevated levels of the hormone beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)**, which is produced by trophoblastic cells. While this is a laboratory finding rather than a symptom felt by the patient, it often correlates with symptoms like nausea or symptoms mimicking pregnancy, such as breast tenderness or fatigue.
In some rare cases, choriocarcinoma can cause **symptoms related to bleeding inside the body**, such as sudden severe abdominal pain from rupture of blood vessels or hemorrhage in the uterus or other organs. This can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
Women may also notice **unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or feeling full quickly** if the disease is advanced. Changes in urinary or bowel habits can occur if the tumor presses on nearby organs.
In summary, the symptoms of choriocarcinoma include:
– **Abnormal vaginal bleeding** after any pregnancy event, often irregular or heavy
– **Pelvic pain or pressure**, including pain during intercourse
– **Respiratory symptoms** like cough, shortness of breath, or coughing blood due to lung metastasis
– **Neurological symptoms** such as headaches, seizures, or vision changes if the brain is involved
– **Abdominal pain or swelling** from spread to liver or other organs
– **Signs of internal bleeding or hemorrhage**, causing sudden severe pain or shock
– **General symptoms** like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or feeling full quickly
– **Elevated β-hCG levels**, indicating active trophoblastic disease
Because choriocarcinoma can progress rapidly and spread widely, any unusual bleeding after pregnancy or new symptoms like those described should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment, often with chemotherapy, can lead to a very good prognosis despite the aggressive nature of the disease.
