Invasive mole and choriocarcinoma

An invasive mole and choriocarcinoma are rare cancers. They grow from the tissue that forms in the womb during pregnancy.

Some women may not have any symptoms. This is particularly the case for a woman with an invasive mole as these are usually picked up during follow up for a molar pregnancy.If there are symptoms, the main symptoms for an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma is vaginal bleeding.

If you develop an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma it usually shows up on some tests before you notice any symptoms. Your specialist team will then ask you to go in to see them.

You might have a number of tests or scans to help diagnose or monitor an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma.

Survival for invasive mole and choriocarcinoma is very high. Nearly all women are cured.

The main treatment for invasive mole or choriocarcinoma is chemotherapy. But some women might be offered surgery.

You will be closely monitored with blood and urine tests during and after your treatment. This is to check the levels of human gonadotrophic hormone (hCG).

The stage of an invasive mole or choriocarcinoma tells you how far it has spread. Your doctors will look at this and other risk factors to plan your treatment.

The main known risk factor for invasive mole and choriocarcinoma is a previous molar pregnancy.