Cancer More Cancer Types How Choriocarcinoma Is Diagnosed By Lana Bandoim Lana Bandoim Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Lana Bandoim is a science writer and editor with more than a decade of experience covering complex health topics. Learn about our editorial process Published on November 01, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rony Kampalath, MD Medically reviewed by Rony Kampalath, MD Rony Kampalath, MD, is board-certified in diagnostic radiology and previously worked as a primary care physician. He is an assistant professor at the University of California at Irvine Medical Center, where he also practices. Within the practice of radiology, he specializes in abdominal imaging. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Self-Checks/At-Home Testing Physical Examination Labs and Tests Additional Imaging Differential Diagnoses Frequently Asked Questions Choriocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer that can form inside the uterus. It is usually found in a person who is currently or was recently pregnant. This condition is often suspected when a patient with a positive pregnancy test has a larger than normal uterus, pelvic masses, or higher-than-expected levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG. Verywell / Julie Bang This cancer is fast-growing and can spread quickly, so it is important to get a diagnosis right away. Early detection can improve your outcome. This article will explain more about the diagnosis process for choriocarcinoma. Self-Checks/At-Home Testing There are no at-home tests available for diagnosing choriocarcinoma. It would be best if you went to a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis. However, you can do self-checks for symptoms at home that will help you talk about your condition with a healthcare provider. These self-checks are not a replacement for medical care and a professional diagnosis. Check for the following symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider: Pelvic pain and pressure Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleedingSevere nausea and vomiting High blood pressure Physical Examination A healthcare provider usually starts the diagnosis process by collecting your medical history and doing a physical exam. You should discuss all of the symptoms you are experiencing and how often they happen. You may have a pelvic exam that includes a physical and visual examination of the following: VaginaCervixRectumUterusFallopian tubesOvaries During a pelvic exam, a healthcare provider inserts a speculum (medical tool) into the vagina to see the vagina and cervix better. The doctor or other healthcare professional also inserts lubricated, gloved fingers into the vagina to check the uterus and ovaries. The doctor may insert a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check it. This exam can show if the uterus is enlarged or if there are pelvic masses, which are symptoms of choriocarcinoma. Labs and Tests Your doctor may also order the following tests: Pap smear: A healthcare provider inserts a speculum into the vagina and collects a small sample of tissue from the cervix that can be sent to the lab. The lab then checks the tissue for abnormal or cancerous cells.Pelvic ultrasound: A healthcare provider uses an ultrasound machine to take pictures of the inside of your pelvis. The test can show abnormalities, such as pelvic masses.Urine tests: You provide a urine sample, and a healthcare provider sends it to a lab for testing. Blood Tests You may need blood tests, including: Complete blood count (CBC)Serum beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)Serum tumor marker test Kidney function testsLiver function tests Additional Imaging To determine how advanced your cancer is and if it has spread to other organs, you may need the following imaging tests: X-ray MRI scan CT scan Differential Diagnoses Some of the symptoms of choriocarcinoma are similar to normal pregnancies or other medical conditions. For instance, some people carrying a fetus experience severe vomiting and nausea during a normal pregnancy, but this can also be a symptom of choriocarcinoma. To make sure you have the right diagnosis, your healthcare provider may order additional tests and check for other conditions. Summary The diagnosis process for choriocarcinoma starts with collecting your medical history and having a physical examination that includes a pelvic exam. Your healthcare provider may order several lab and imaging tests to check for cancer. A Word From Verywell The diagnosis process for choriocarcinoma can take time and may feel stressful. It is normal for your healthcare provider to order multiple tests or exams before giving an official cancer diagnosis. It is important to work with your healthcare provider throughout the diagnosis process, so they can help you navigate it. Also, consider reaching out to friends, family, and other loved ones for additional support. Frequently Asked Questions Can any of the diagnostic tests hurt a fetus? Some diagnostic tests, such as imaging tests like X-rays, carry some risks for a developing fetus. Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have. How soon should the diagnosis process start? Early diagnosis improves the outcome of choriocarcinoma, so it is important to start the diagnosis process as soon as possible. You should work with your healthcare provider to get the necessary diagnostic testing. What are the most common diagnostic tests for choriocarcinoma? The most common diagnostic tests include: Collecting your medical historyHaving a physical examHaving a pelvic exam and ultrasound Having blood tests What does the beta-hCG test measure? Beta-hCG is a hormone that the body makes if you are pregnant. If you have choriocarcinoma, your body makes beta-hCG, even if you are not pregnant. High levels of beta-hCG are common with this condition. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Limiting processed foods and red meats can help ward off cancer risk. These recipes focus on antioxidant-rich foods to better protect you and your loved ones. Sign up and get your guide! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Choriocarcinoma. Merck Manual. Gestational trophoblastic disease. National Cancer Institute. Gestational trophoblastic disease treatment (PDQ®) health professional version.