PROGNOSIS OF GESTATIONAL CHORIOCARCINOMA – 8 -YEAR EXPERIENCE

Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumour which originates from the developing trophoblastic tissue, most commonly following molar pregnancy. It is a potentially fatal disease, but current management protocols have changed the prognosis as highly favourable. The aim of the study was to analyze the ways of establishing the diagnosis, methods and results of treatment of choriocarcinoma in our institute. The study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of the eight-year period, from 2000 to 2008. The obtained data were collected from medical charts with choriocarcinoma treated in our institute. In the eight-year period, eight cases of choriocarcinoma were registered. In one (12.5%) case choriocarcinoma developed after molar pregnancy, whereas in six (75%) cases the antecedent pregnancy resulted in a spontaneous abortion. In one patient the diagnosis was made after hysterectomy. Particular chemotherapeutic protocol was introduced to each patient. All patient survived. Prognosis of gestational choriocarcinoma is favourable provided the appropriate therapy is administered early in the course of disease. Provision of free medical care should be considered for these patients to save their lives.