Introduction
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) can be challenging for the pathologic evaluation with a focus on pathologic challenges and the clinician also without proper history taking. Classification of GTD based on histomorphological findings correlated with the clinical details and specific marker, their importance in normal as well as abnormal physiological and pathological conditions.1, 2, 3 The reported unusual case presentation with review, focuses on the challenges and familiarity with the metastatic hydatidiform mole, which may be seen first-hand by the pathologist without clinical suspicion. We presumed that the case might be the recurrence of a ignored hydatidiform mole two years ago and now presented as metastatic hydatidiform mole which require chemotherapy for the good prognosis.4, 5, 6
Case Report
A 46 year old multiparous female of lower socioeconomic status presented to gynaecology outpatient department with the complaint of something coming out from vagina, which bleeded on touch. History of amenorrhea was not given. On general examination, all parameters were within normal limit. Per vaginal examination revealed 3 cm sessile polyp on vagina. Excision of polyp was performed without any complication and sent for histopathological examination (HPE) with clinical diagnosis of vaginal polyp. Patient was discharged next day after the surgery with the advice of follow-up.
Grossly, polypoidal structure was received without stalk and measured around 2.5 cm. Cut section was glistening white. Whole polyp was processed for microscopic examination.
Microscopic examination, stands a diagnostic dilemma as chorionic villi of varying sizes were seen without any polypoidal lining epithelium. The enlarged villi had scalloped borders showing hydropic changes with presence of central cistern, while fair number of villi were small in size. Few of them showed polar trophoblastic proliferation. Many of the villi showed nucleated RBCs. At places embryonal tissue was also identified. (Figure 1) It is a great and important decision to make the specific diagnosis considering the site of lesion.
On the basis of the above histomorphological features along with the consultation of operating clinician a diagnosis of metastatic partial hydatidiform mole was offered with emphasis on follow up of the patient, her serum HCG level and scanning of other organs.
Post-surgical visit of the patient confirmed the above mentioned diagnosis. She also had history of expulsion of grape like structure 2 years back once asked a leading question, which was ignored by her and no medical consultation was taken for the same.
The staging featuring a thoraco-abdominopelvic CT scan, chest radiography, ultrasound abdomen and pelvis was normal on follow up visit. Her serum beta-HCG level was slightly increased (645 IU/ml), after 10 days of surgery without any symptoms. Considering the diagnosis of metastatic hydatidiform mole, clinician advised her to get admitted for starting methotrexate-based agent chemotherapy, which she denied and lost to follow up.
Discussion
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) describes a number of gynaecological tumors that originate from the trophoblast layer, including hydatidiform mole (complete or partial), invasive moles, choriocarcinoma and placental site trophoblastic tumor.7
Overall incidence of invasive mole is 1/15000 pregnancies. Local invasion of uterus is reported in about 15% of cases.8
The risk of developing an invasive mole in women with past history of complete mole removal increases if prolonged time interval is present between diagnosis and treatment and if age is more than 40 years.7, 8 Both the factors were present in this case.
Sometimes after removal of a complete hydatidiform mole, the tumor spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, most often the lungs. This occurs in about 4% of the cases. Due to ease of entry of molar tissue into large venous lake present in myometrium and pelvis in pregnancy or trophoblastic disease, metastasis of invasive mole is seen commonly in lungs. Vagina, cervix and broad ligament can also be involved.9, 10
Atala et al’s11 reported a case in 1991, an invasive mole with uterine perforation and acute intraperitoneal haemorrhage. Sohelia et al’s1 case report in 2017 reported an invasive mole with metastasis to ovary, omentum and lung. Peng HH et al’s12 in 2014 reported a case of metastatic hydatidiform mole to lung with a coexisting living foetus.
Zhang et al’s2 in 2015 reported, a case of placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) presented with metastasis to vagina, probably a recurrence as metastasis after 3 years of initial diagnosis.
In this reported case, which is presented as a vaginal polyp, looked benign lesion to the clinicians. After microscopic examination suspicion was raised, that this is not a simple benign polyp but definitely a gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. After which patient was enquired on follow up and she declared after leading question, that she passed grape like structure per vaginum two years back after the history of 2 months of amenorrhea. Combining the history given by the patient and the histomorphological feature, diagnosis of metastatic hydatidiform mole was confirmed.
Combination chemotherapy should be given in invasive mole, as it is highly sensitive to it. It is continued until the patient achieves 3 consecutive normal HCG levels.13, 14 As normal HCG levels are attained, 3 additional courses of chemotherapy are administered to reduce the risk of relapse. Same was advised by the clinician to the patient, the patient denied treatment and didn’t come for follow up.
The indexed case shares the relevance of the correct clinical details including the importance of leading questions specially in case of unexpected histomorphological details for the awareness of unusual diagnosis at the unusual site, it’s importance for appropriate therapy and follow up, which is directly correlated with the prognosis.
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