Gestational choriocarcinoma in a postmenopausal woman: a case report – lessons for the junior clinician

Authors

Keywords:

choriocarcinoma, postmenopausal bleeding, gestational trophoblastic diseases, Beta HCG, neoplasia

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma is a rare form of malignancy originating from epithelial trophoblastic tissue. Unusual and varied presentations of choriocarcinoma present clinicians with a diagnostic challenge. Education is pertinent to ensure a high index of suspicion of the condition to promote a timely diagnosis and better prognosis for patients. This case report discusses an atypical presentation of a 48-year-old postmenopausal woman with gestational choriocarcinoma, with a possible preceding molar pregnancy. It highlights learning points for clinicians regarding gestational trophoblastic diseases, the relevance of persistently high quantitative serum Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (Beta HCG) values, differential diagnoses for postmenopausal bleeding, co-existent pathologies and choriocarcinoma.

Author Biographies

  • RT West, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital, South Africa

  • T Adams, University of Cape Town

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa

  • N Fakie, University of Cape Town

    Department of Radiation Oncology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa

  • W Mkhombe, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital, South Africa

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Published

2023-02-08

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Case Studies

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.