Symptoms of choriocarcinoma

Symptoms depend on its timing (following the initial pregnancy) and its site.

Symptoms may include

· Irregular vaginal bleeding,

· Absence of periods,

· Pelvic pain,

· Chest discomfort and/or a cough, with or without blood-stained sputum.

The crucial thing is for the doctor to suspect it and carry out the necessary diagnostic tests.

Significance of chest symptoms in choriocarcinoma

Chest symptoms are reliable evidence that the disease has spread beyond the womb.

Choriocarcinoma can spread to the lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys, brain and other organs. Even at this stage it remains treatable.

Spread to the brain makes complete cure a little more difficult, but not impossible.

Recurrence of molar pregnancy

About 1 in 100 women who have a molar pregnancy will experience a recurrence in the future. However, the probability rises quite exponentially following two molar pregnancies. Of-course 2 consecutive molar pregnancies are quite uncommon.

Contraception during follow-up after molar pregnancy

The combined oral contraceptive pill is the best method. If for some other reason this cannot be used then barrier methods (condom, diaphragm etc.) could be employed.

It is important that the pregnancy hormone (hCG) level should return to normal before commencing on the pill.

The intrauterine contraceptive device (coil), though effective, is not recommended in this situation.

The combined pill is ideal in the period of follow-up after a molar pregnancy