Discussion
The lung is the most common site of metastasis in patients with
choriocarcinoma, in which blood borne metastasis often develops early because
of the affinity of trophoblast for blood vessels and the majority of metastases
go to the lungs (75%). The major form of pulmonary involvement is invariably
hematogenous and is usually manifested roentgenographically by multiple
parenchymal nodules, and miliary or ˇ°snowstormˇ± opacities. Hemorrhage
about the periphery of the metastatic nodules can be seen in choriocarcinoma
resulting ill-defined margin. Intratumoral hemorrhage is also developed.
In this case, necrotic tumor tissue and blood occupy the central portions
of pulmonary metastatic nodules. Less often, tumor embolization occurs
when tumor invades the systemic veins and proceeds to the right side of
the heart and pulmonary arteries. This entity is distinct from hematogenous
dissemination in that there is no proliferation of metastases within extravascular
tissues. The majority of patients with nodular metastases are usually asymptomatic,
probably due to the predominantly peripheral distribution of lesions, although
dyspnea may develop and hemoptysis can occur as a result of intrapulmonary
hemorrhage. In contrast, tumor embolization may cause symptoms consistent
with acute or subacute cor pulmonale or pulmonary infarction. On occasion,
hemorrhagic infarction is developed. Calcification has been noted at the
site of successfully treated metastatic choriocarcinoma.
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