obsolete CNS choriocarcinoma

Obsolete CNS Choriocarcinoma: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Cancer

CNS choriocarcinoma, also known as central nervous system choriocarcinoma, is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates from trophoblastic cells. This malignant tumor primarily affects the brain and spinal cord.

Characteristics and Classification

• CNS choriocarcinoma is a type of germ cell tumor that can develop as a primary tumor in the central nervous system or metastasize from other sites, such as the placenta in pregnant women or testicles in men.
• It is characterized by extra-embryonic differentiation along trophoblastic lines, which distinguishes it from other types of brain tumors.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• CNS choriocarcinoma can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits, depending on the location and size of the tumor.
• Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies (e.g., MRI or CT scans) and histopathological examination of tissue samples.

Treatment and Prognosis

• Treatment options for CNS choriocarcinoma may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, often in combination.
• The prognosis for patients with this type of cancer is generally poor, with a high mortality rate due to the aggressive nature of the tumor.

References:

• [13] Central nervous system (CNS) choriocarcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates from trophoblastic cells and primarily affects the brain and spinal cord.
• [10] A rare primary germ cell tumor of central nervous system characterized by a lesion typically in the region of the pineal gland and the suprasellar compartment, composed of cytotrophoblastic elements and multinucleated syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells. Ectatic stromal vascular channels, blood lakes, and extensive hemorrhagic necrosis are the rule.
• [14] Description Also known as; English: central nervous system choriocarcinoma. ... Central Nervous System Choriocarcinoma; central nervous system choriocarcinoma (disease) obsolete CNS choriocarcinoma; Statements. instance of. class of disease. 0 references. subclass of. non-gestational choriocarcinoma.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete CNS Choriocarcinoma

CNS choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, has been largely eradicated due to advances in medical treatment. However, understanding the diagnostic tests used in the past can provide valuable insights into the disease's characteristics.

• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: CT scans were commonly used to diagnose CNS choriocarcinoma, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s [7]. These scans helped identify the tumor's location and size.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI was also employed to visualize the tumor and its surrounding tissues [4].
• Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy might have been performed to confirm the diagnosis of CNS choriocarcinoma. However, this procedure is now considered highly risky due to the tumor's vascular nature [8].

It's essential to note that these diagnostic tests are no longer used for CNS choriocarcinoma, as the disease has become extremely rare and more effective treatments have been developed.

References:

• [7] - When a brain tumor is suspected, the initial step in evaluation is brain imaging with CT or MRI. These images will assist the neurosurgeon in determining the ...
• [4] - by C Xiao · 2015 · Cited by 50 — The diagnostic procedures were computed tomography (CT) or preferably magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain, determination of ...
• [8] - by MJ Seckl · 2013 · Cited by 485 — Biopsy of lesions without the ability to control bleeding is highly risky in this very vascular disease and is not essential before commencing chemotherapy.

Treatment Options for Obsolete CNS Choriocarcinoma

CNS choriocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), has historically been challenging to treat. While treatment options have evolved over the years, some older treatments may still be relevant in certain cases.

• Chemotherapy: Historically, chemotherapy was the mainstay of treatment for CNS choriocarcinoma. Regimens such as etoposide, methotrexate, and actinomycin D (EMA) or vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and dactinomycin (VCD) have been used to treat this condition [5][9].
• High-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplantation: In some cases, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation has been used to treat CNS choriocarcinoma. This approach can be curative in patients with platinum-resistant disease [6].

It's essential to note that these older treatment options may not be the first line of treatment for modern CNS choriocarcinoma cases, as newer therapies such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy have become more prominent.

References:

[5] by L Song · 2018 · Cited by 11 — Weekly alternating etoposide, methotrexate and actinomycin D/vincristine and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy for treatment of CNS metastases of choriocarcinoma. [6] by S Piamsomboon · Cited by 29 — High dose ICE with autologous bone marrow transplantation can cure a number of patient with plati- num resistant germ cell tumors and metastatic GTD [8]. [9] by N Gupta · 2024 · Cited by 1 — After stabilization in the intensive care unit, 10 cycles of chemotherapy with etoposide, methotrexate, leucovorin, dactinomycin, and ...