[Pulmonary metastases of a placental choriocarcinoma]

Pulmonary metastases of a placental choriocarcinoma are common but they are rarely the presenting factor, and whenever there are pulmonary metastases in a young woman a systematic search is required. We report on 7 cases and emphasize several important points. The diagnosis rests on the level of Beta H.C.G. One should be cautioned about transparietal aspiration or fibreoptic biopsy in view of the haemorrhagic nature of the lesion. An extensive work-up should be performed before classifying patients as low, medium or high risk as on this will determine the type of chemotherapy, either monotherapy with Methotrexate or polychemotherapy. The duration of treatment will depend on the clinical, radiological and biological outcome.