In situ choriocarcinoma arising in partial hydatidiform mole: implications for the risk of persistent trophoblastic disease.
The risk of persistent trophoblastic disease following partial hydatidiform mole is controversial. In spite of claims that 4 to 11% of cases require chemotherapy, there is a paucity of affected patients in the literature. A critical review of those patients suggests an alternative or unproven diagnosis in the majority. An instance of placental in situ choriocarcinoma arising in a partial mole is reported. Because in situ choriocarcinoma may represent the incipient lesion in the majority of the one-third of cases of gestational choriocarcinoma that follow a normal pregnancy, we postulate that the presence of the in situ lesion in a partial mole supports the view that the risk of persistent trophoblastic disease may be no greater after partial mole than after a normal gestation.
Heifetz
S A
SA
Department of Pathology, James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5200.
Czaja
J
J
D000328:Adult; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002822:Choriocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006828:Hydatidiform Mole / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012306:Risk; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology