Question 1

What is Choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops from placental tissue in the uterus, most commonly after pregnancy, miscarriage, or molar pregnancy. It is caused by abnormal trophoblastic cells that produce extremely high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the characteristic hormone elevation that signals this cancer.

Question 2

What causes choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Choriocarcinoma is caused by abnormal trophoblastic cells that continue growing after pregnancy, miscarriage, molar pregnancy, or rarely after an ectopic pregnancy. These cells, which normally form part of the placenta during pregnancy, become cancerous and invade the uterine wall. The condition produces extremely high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the pregnancy hormone, which provides a key diagnostic marker even when the person is not pregnant.

Question 3

What is the best test for choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

The Pregnancy Test (Very Early) - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), Total, Quantitative is the most important test for choriocarcinoma because it measures the precise levels of hCG hormone that this cancer characteristically produces. Choriocarcinoma causes extremely elevated hCG levels, often in the tens of thousands or higher, even in non-pregnant individuals or long after pregnancy has ended. Serial hCG measurements over time help doctors track the disease progression and monitor treatment effectiveness, making this quantitative test essential for both initial diagnosis and ongoing care.

Question 4

When should I get tested for choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding after pregnancy, miscarriage, or molar pregnancy, especially if accompanied by persistent positive pregnancy tests weeks or months later. Other warning signs include unexplained abdominal pain, cough or chest pain (if cancer has spread to lungs), or severe nausea that seems pregnancy-related but persists abnormally long. Testing is especially urgent if you have a history of molar pregnancy, as this significantly increases your risk of developing choriocarcinoma.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptom of choriocarcinoma is irregular vaginal bleeding that occurs after pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or molar pregnancy. You might notice abdominal pain or swelling, an enlarged uterus, and persistent pregnancy symptoms like nausea even though you are not pregnant. If the cancer has spread, you may experience coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, headaches, or dizziness. Some women have no symptoms at all and the condition is discovered only through routine hCG monitoring after a molar pregnancy.

Question 6

Who is at risk for choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Women who have had a molar pregnancy face the highest risk of developing choriocarcinoma, with about 2-3% developing this cancer. Risk increases if you are under 20 or over 40 years old, have had multiple miscarriages or previous molar pregnancies, or have blood type A with a partner who has blood type O. The condition most commonly occurs after any pregnancy event including normal delivery, miscarriage, abortion, or ectopic pregnancy, though it develops after normal pregnancy in only about 1 in 40,000 cases.

Question 7

What happens if choriocarcinoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated choriocarcinoma spreads rapidly through the bloodstream to other organs, most commonly the lungs, liver, brain, vagina, and kidneys. The cancer can cause life-threatening internal bleeding, severe respiratory problems if it spreads to the lungs, and neurological complications if it reaches the brain. Without treatment, choriocarcinoma is often fatal within months due to its aggressive nature and tendency to metastasize quickly. However, when diagnosed early through hCG blood testing and treated promptly with chemotherapy, choriocarcinoma has one of the highest cure rates of any cancer, exceeding 90% even in advanced cases.

Question 8

Can choriocarcinoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood testing for hCG is the primary diagnostic tool for choriocarcinoma and often provides the first strong indication of this cancer. The quantitative hCG blood test measures precise hormone levels, and extremely high or persistently elevated hCG readings in someone who is not pregnant or after pregnancy has ended strongly suggest choriocarcinoma. Doctors use serial hCG measurements over time to track changes in hormone levels, which helps distinguish choriocarcinoma from normal pregnancy or other conditions. While imaging tests and tissue biopsy may be used for confirmation, the hCG blood test remains the cornerstone of diagnosis and monitoring.

Question 9

How is choriocarcinoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Choriocarcinoma is treated primarily with chemotherapy, which is highly effective against this type of cancer. Single-agent chemotherapy (usually methotrexate or actinomycin D) is used for low-risk cases, while multi-agent chemotherapy combinations are reserved for high-risk or metastatic disease. Surgery, including hysterectomy, may be necessary for patients with persistent disease, uncontrolled bleeding, or drug-resistant tumors, though it is rarely the first treatment choice. Throughout treatment, doctors closely monitor hCG levels with regular blood tests to ensure the cancer is responding, and treatment continues until hCG returns to normal and remains undetectable for several months.

Question 10

How can I prevent choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent choriocarcinoma, regular monitoring with hCG blood tests after molar pregnancy is crucial for early detection when treatment is most effective. If you have had a molar pregnancy, your doctor will recommend avoiding pregnancy for 6-12 months and getting monthly hCG tests to catch any abnormal elevation early. Using reliable contraception during this monitoring period is essential because a new pregnancy would make it impossible to distinguish normal pregnancy hCG from cancer-related hormone elevation. Being aware of your risk factors and seeking immediate medical attention for abnormal bleeding or symptoms after any pregnancy event also improves early detection.

Question 11

What can I do at home for choriocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Choriocarcinoma requires immediate professional medical treatment with chemotherapy and cannot be managed at home with natural remedies. However, during treatment you can support your recovery by eating a nutritious diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables to help your body tolerate chemotherapy. Stay well-hydrated, get adequate rest, and avoid smoking and alcohol, which can interfere with treatment effectiveness. Managing chemotherapy side effects with your doctor's guidance, attending all follow-up appointments for hCG monitoring, and joining a support group for women with gestational trophoblastic disease can provide emotional support during treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Choriocarcinoma Blood Test

What is Choriocarcinoma?

What causes choriocarcinoma?

What is the best test for choriocarcinoma?

When should I get tested for choriocarcinoma?

References

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