Canadian Medical Guide > Diseases > Neoplasms > Neoplasms by Histologic Type > Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal > Trophoblastic Neoplasms > Choriocarcinoma Terms and Definitions
Choriocarcinoma
Medical Definition: | A malignant metastatic form of trophoblastic tumors. Unlike the HYADITIFORM MOLE, choriocarcinoma contains no CHORIONIC VILLI but rather sheets of undifferentiated cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts (TROPHOBLASTS). It is characterized by the large amounts of CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN produced. Tissue origins can be determined by DNA analyses: placental (fetal) origin or non-placental origin (CHORIOCARCINOMA, NON-GESTATIONAL). |
Guide Notes: | coord IM with UTERINE NEOPLASMS (IM) + FEMALE + PREGNANCY if in the female or TESTICULAR NEOPLASMS (IM) + MALE if in the male or other organ/neopl term applicable |
Choriocarcinoma, Non-gestational - A highly malignant CHORIOCARCINOMA derived from the non-placental origin such as the totipotent cells in the TESTIS, the OVARY, and the PINEAL GLAND. It produces high levels of CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN and can metastasize widely through the bloodstream to the lungs, brain, liver, bone, and other viscera by the time of diagnosis. | |
Trophoblastic Tumor, Placental Site - An uncommon variant of CHORIOCARCINOMA. It is composed almost entirely of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (TROPHOBLASTS). Because its secretion of hCG (CHORIONIC GONADOTROPIN) is low, a large tumor may develop before the hCG can be detected. |
Choriocarcinoma Medical Definitions and Terms
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