Chorioma malignum is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the cells that form the placenta during pregnancy. The phonetic transcription of this term is /kɔːɹɪˈoʊmə məˈlɪɡnəm/. The first part, "chorioma," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, followed by a stressed "i" and ending with an "a" sound. The second part, "malignum," starts with an unstressed "ma" before the stressed "lig" and ending with a short "um" sound. Despite its challenging spelling, it is important to correctly diagnose and treat this rare form of cancer.
Chorioma malignum, also known as choriocarcinoma, is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that typically develops from the cells of the placenta following a molar pregnancy or abnormal fertilization. It is categorized as a gestational trophoblastic disease, which encompasses a group of conditions arising from abnormal cellular growth during pregnancy.
Chorioma malignum is characterized by the rapid multiplication of abnormal trophoblastic cells, which are responsible for the formation of the placenta and production of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These cancerous cells invade the uterus and may spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, brain, or vagina.
Symptoms of chorioma malignum can include vaginal bleeding (often heavy and irregular), pelvic pain, anemia, and an enlarged uterus. As this malignancy tends to be highly metastatic, it requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further spread.
Treatment for chorioma malignum usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment method and may involve the use of various anticancer drugs. In cases where the cancer is confined to the uterus and has not spread, surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) may be recommended. Radiation therapy can be used as an adjunct to target any remaining cancer cells after chemotherapy or surgery.
Prognosis for chorioma malignum varies depending on the stage and extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the overall survival rates are generally high. However, prompt medical intervention is crucial to achieve favorable outcomes and prevent complications related to metastasis.
Deciduoma malignum, syncytioma malignum, chorioepithelioma; a tumor, formed of cells from the syncytium and chorion, developed at the site of the placenta in the pregnant or puerperal uterus, occurring most frequently after abortion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "chorioma malignum" is a medical term that is composed of two main components: "chorioma" and "malignum".
1. Chorioma: The term "chorioma" refers to a mass or tumor that develops from cells of the chorion, which is the outermost fetal membrane that surrounds the embryo during pregnancy. Choriomas can be either benign or malignant. The word "chorioma" originates from the Greek words "chorion" meaning "membrane" and "oma" meaning "tumor", signifying a tumor arising from the chorion.
2. Malignum: The word "malignum" comes from the Latin word "malignus", which means "malignant" or "evil". It is used to describe diseases, conditions, or tumors that have the potential to spread or cause harm.