Choriocarcinoma natural history

Prognosis

 * Most women whose cancer has not spread can be cured and will maintain reproductive function.


 * The condition is harder to cure if the cancer has spread and one of more of the following events occur:
 * Disease has spread to the liver or brain
 * Pregnancy hormone (HCG) level is greater than 40,000 mIU/mL at the time treatment begins
 * Cancer returns after having chemotherapy in the past
 * Symptoms or pregnancy occurred for more than 4 months before treatment began
 * Choriocarcinoma occurred after a pregnancy that resulted in the birth of a child


 * Many women (about 70%) who initially have a poor outlook go into remission (a disease-free state).

Complications

 * A choriocarcinoma may come back after treatment, usually within several months but possibly as late as 3 years.


 * Complications associated with chemotherapy can also occur.