Authors Keywords: choriocarcinoma, postmenopausal bleeding, gestational trophoblastic diseases, Beta HCG, neoplasia Abstract

Choriocarcinoma is a rare form of malignancy originating from epithelial trophoblastic tissue. Unusual and varied presentations of choriocarcinoma present clinicians with a diagnostic challenge. Education is pertinent to ensure a high index of suspicion of the condition to promote a timely diagnosis and better prognosis for patients. This case report discusses an atypical presentation of a 48-year-old postmenopausal woman with gestational choriocarcinoma, with a possible preceding molar pregnancy. It highlights learning points for clinicians regarding gestational trophoblastic diseases, the relevance of persistently high quantitative serum Beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (Beta HCG) values, differential diagnoses for postmenopausal bleeding, co-existent pathologies and choriocarcinoma.

Author Biographies RT West, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital, South Africa

T Adams, University of Cape Town

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa

N Fakie, University of Cape Town

Department of Radiation Oncology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa

W Mkhombe, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital, South Africa

Issue Section

Case Studies

License By submitting manuscripts to SAJGO, authors of original articles are assigning copyright to the South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Authors may use their own work after publication without written permission, provided they acknowledge the original source. Individuals and academic institutions may freely copy and distribute articles published in SAJGO for educational and research purposes without obtaining permission.