Non-gestational uterine choriocarcinoma inside a leiomyoma: importance of early suspicion in prognosis

Abstract

Uterine choriocarcinoma is a trophoblastic neoplasm most commonly related to pregnancy. However, there are already cases of non-gestational uterine choriocarcinoma (NGC) described in literature. The difficult diagnosis may delay treatment and threaten patient survival. We report the case of a 37-year-old patient presenting with abnormal haemorrhage and moderate levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG). As imaging exams did not show any suspicious site for the origin, choriocarcinoma was not considered so the treatment was delayed. Anatomopathological diagnosis was given both from the surgical sample of hysterectomy and from a skin lesion. The lesion was discovered inside a myoma. At this point, β-hCG levels were substantially high and she presented with respiratory distress due to pulmonary metastasis. The patient was transferred to an intensive care unit and underwent mechanical ventilation as well as life-saving chemotherapy. At 10 months after diagnosis, she is well and in remission. The delay from not suspecting the diagnosis was almost fatal for the patient.