Special epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a special type of gestational trophoblastic tumor. However, its pathogenesis has been incompletely elucidated. ETT rarely occurs in the ovaries and fallopian tubes, unlike placental site trophoblastic tumor, requiring a histopathological biopsy and immunohistochemistry for further diagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 29-year-old woman with irregular vaginal bleeding and elevated serum chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels presented similar symptoms to ectopic pregnancy. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed abnormal echoes of the left adnexa. Postoperatively, the pathology of the left ovary and fallopian tube was reported as ETT. The patient was followed up with regular hCG measurements and ultrasounds. The blood hCG values showed an upward trend 3 mo after the operation and then chemotherapy was prescribed. The current health status is normal.

CONCLUSION

For women of childbearing age with elevated serum β-hCG levels, practitioners should consider ETT and be alert to the poor prognosis of the disease. After surgery, the patient's condition should be closely observed to prevent recurrence and metastasis. Postoperative chemotherapy is only helpful for treating the disease to a certain extent.

Keywords: Trophoblastic tumor; Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor; Serum chorionic gonadotropin; Vaginal bleeding; The partial hydatidiform mole; Choriocarcinoma; Case report

Core Tip: Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare type of intermediate trophoblastic tumor. Clinical manifestations include irregular vaginal bleeding and changing serum chorionic gonadotropin levels. This case highlights the ultimate importance of histopathological biopsy and immunohistochemistry. Survival outcomes from this disease are high but the tumor can easily relapse and metastasize. Therefore, long-term follow-up is important for the future diagnosis and treatment of ETT.