Chorioepithelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the placenta. The spelling of this word can be challenging due to its long and complex structure. Pronounced /kɔːrɪoʊɪˌθiːlɪˈəʊmə/, the first part "chorio" refers to the chorionic tissue of the placenta. The "epithelio" component indicates that the tumor arises from the placental epithelium. The suffix "-oma" refers to a tumor or mass. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to explain the sound of each syllable and letter in chorioepithelioma.
Chorioepithelioma, also known as gestational trophoblastic neoplasm, is a rare and potentially malignant tumor that forms in the cells surrounding the placenta during pregnancy. It arises from abnormal proliferation of the trophoblast, the outer layer of cells that forms the placenta.
Chorioepithelioma typically occurs following a molar pregnancy, which is a pregnancy in which an abnormal growth of cells forms instead of a fetus. However, it can also develop after a normal pregnancy. This condition is considered to be a type of gestational trophoblastic disease.
The tumor can manifest in different ways. It may be either invasive or non-invasive. Invasive chorioepitheliomas can infiltrate into the surrounding tissues, such as the uterus, vagina, or even distant organs like the lungs or liver. Non-invasive chorioepitheliomas, on the other hand, typically remain localized to the uterus.
Symptoms of chorioepithelioma may include vaginal bleeding after pregnancy, passage of grape-like clusters of tissue, pelvic pain, anemia, and in some cases, respiratory symptoms if the tumor has spread to the lungs.
Treatment for chorioepithelioma usually involves the removal of the tumor through surgical procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C) or hysterectomy. Chemotherapy may also be recommended to destroy any remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence.
Prognosis for chorioepithelioma is generally favorable, especially if the condition is detected early. However, regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure the complete eradication of the tumor and prevent potential complications.
Deciduoma malignum, chorioma malignum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chorioepithelioma" is derived from two Greek words: "chorio" (χορίο), meaning "chorion" (which is the outermost fetal membrane), and "epithelioma" (ἐπιθηλίωμα), meaning "epithelial tumor". Chorioepithelioma is a medical term used to describe a rare malignant tumor that arises from the trophoblastic cells of the placenta and can invade nearby tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body.