Gestational choriocarcinoma with hemorrhagic pleural effusion

Abstract

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) consists of a spectrum of disorders that are characterized by an abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue. By virtue of their high vascularity and affinity of trophoblast for blood vessels, metastases often occur early and the most common site of such metastases is the lung. We described a case of a 34-year-old patient with pain in the left half of the chest, occasional, brief hemoptysis, and amenorrhea occurring in the period of 3 months. This presentation highlights the importance of analysis of HCG in the pleural puncture, for quick diagnosis and timely treatment. © 2010, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina.