Choriocarcinoma with spinal metastasis: a case report

Abstract

Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant trophoblastic neoplasia, arising following any type of pregnancy. Even though choriocarcinoma has an early haematogenous metastasis to multiple organs, spinal metastasis is extremely rare. A 28-year-old woman presented with a two-week history of progressive numbness and weakness of the lower limbs and difficulty in walking. In magnetic resonance imaging of the spine, soft tissue components were noted adjacent to the spinal cord. She underwent laminectomy to remove the extramedullary located tumour mass, which was compressing the spinal cord. Although there was a significant improvement in tactile stimulation in the lower limb following six courses of multi-agent chemotherapy, she continued to have leg weakness. Despite improvements in treatment modality and the use of combined modality treatment with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, the prognosis for this choriocarcinoma with spinal metastasis is unfavourable. Earlier diagnosis and multimodality treatment is crucial for a significant reduction in mortality and morbidity.