Xiaoyu Wang1, Yuan Li1, Junjun Yang1, Yonglan He2, Ming Wang3, Xirun Wan1, Yang Xiang1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. 2. Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. 3. Department of Ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics of, and the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) located in the cesarean scar. METHODS: The present retrospective analysis was conducted among patients diagnosed with GTN located in the cesarean scar at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, between June 1, 2006, and May 31, 2016. Clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 938 women diagnosed with GTN, 31 (3.3%) patients had GTN located in the cesarean scar. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the main clinical manifestation. Twenty (65%) patients received an accurate diagnosis based on a history of molar pregnancy/a high β-human chorionic gonadotropin level/typical imaging presentations. The remaining 11 patients were initially misdiagnosed; the definitive diagnosis was made by pathology. All patients received chemotherapy; 22 (71%) women also underwent hysterectomy or localized uterine lesion resection because of chemoresistant lesions. All patients had a complete remission; at a median follow-up of 35 months, only 1 (3%) woman had a relapse. CONCLUSION: Owing to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, GTN located in the cesarean scar is prone to misdiagnosis. In patients without typical manifestations, the definitive diagnosis often relies on pathology. For treatment, uterine lesion resection is a useful adjunct to chemotherapy.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics of, and the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) located in the cesarean scar. METHODS: The present retrospective analysis was conducted among patients diagnosed with GTN located in the cesarean scar at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, between June 1, 2006, and May 31, 2016. Clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 938 women diagnosed with GTN, 31 (3.3%) patients had GTN located in the cesarean scar. Irregular vaginal bleeding was the main clinical manifestation. Twenty (65%) patients received an accurate diagnosis based on a history of molar pregnancy/a high β-human chorionic gonadotropin level/typical imaging presentations. The remaining 11 patients were initially misdiagnosed; the definitive diagnosis was made by pathology. All patients received chemotherapy; 22 (71%) women also underwent hysterectomy or localized uterine lesion resection because of chemoresistant lesions. All patients had a complete remission; at a median follow-up of 35 months, only 1 (3%) woman had a relapse. CONCLUSION: Owing to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, GTN located in the cesarean scar is prone to misdiagnosis. In patients without typical manifestations, the definitive diagnosis often relies on pathology. For treatment, uterine lesion resection is a useful adjunct to chemotherapy.