Comparison of choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole, and teratoma
| Feature | Choriocarcinoma | Hydatidiform Mole | Teratoma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition/Origin | Malignancy of cytotrophoblasts & syncytiotrophoblasts; no villi. | Abnormal proliferation of trophoblasts with edematous villi. | Germ cell tumor with derivatives from 2-3 germ layers (e.g., teeth, hair). |
| Fertilization | Yes | Yes | No |
| Karyotype | Typically aneuploid (abnormal chromosome number). | Complete Mole: 46,XX (or 46,XY); entirely paternal DNA. Partial Mole: 69,XXY (or XXX, XYY). |
46,XX (for mature ovarian teratomas). |
| Malignancy | Highly malignant and metastatic. | Benign, but can progress to choriocarcinoma. | Usually benign (mature), can be malignant (immature). |
| Clinical / hCG | Presents with mets (lungs, brain), abnormal bleeding. Very high hCG. | Uterine bleeding, size > dates, preeclampsia <20 wks. Very high hCG (complete). | Often asymptomatic or causes mass effect (e.g., ovarian torsion). hCG usually normal. |