Choriocarcinoma: a cancerous "twin" hidden during pregnancy

A new mother was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer just weeks after the birth of her daughter.

Anna Panter did not learn at Lydia's birth that the healthy newborn was a "twin" survivor of a molar pregnancy – abnormal cells developing in the womb instead of 39, another fetus.

The 34-year-old was shocked to learn that the group of cells had become a cancer called choriocarcinoma.

Mrs. Panter from Leicestershire had to undergo six months of chemotherapy.

"I stayed in the hospital for 27 days and the treatment was extremely disturbing and very difficult, especially with a newborn.

"I could not badfeed because of chemotherapy."

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The doctors also told him that having a healthy twin from a molar pregnancy was "virtually unheard of".

Ms. Panter added, "Lydia is an incredible miracle, I feel so lucky to have it."

Ms. Panter stated that she had started coughing, having breathing problems and headaches a month before birth.

Lydia was born two weeks early in September, weighing only 4lbs and 7oz, but was in good health.

Six weeks later, after sending Ms. Panter's placenta for testing, she was told that Lydia was a "twin" survivor of a molar pregnancy.

The fertilization process of one of the eggs went wrong, which resulted in the growth of abnormal cells in the uterus.

These cells then developed into choriocarcinoma – which occurs in one in every 50,000 pregnancies – and spread to her brain, lungs and uterus.

"I never thought the result would be so dramatic, but I was told that there was a 95% chance that it would be completely curable," she said.

Ms. Panter was transferred to a specialized center 80 km from her home in South Wigston for six months of chemotherapy.

She added that recent tests have shown positive results.

What is choriocarcinoma?

• It can develop if cells left after pregnancy become cancerous
• This can happen after a pregnancy, but it's more likely after a molar pregnancy
• This can happen several months or even years after a pregnancy
• It starts in the uterus but can spread to other parts of the body – most often to the lungs where symptoms include coughing, breathing difficulties, and chest pain
• Cancer can have a number of other symptoms depending on where it has spread to
• Chemotherapy is used to treat choriocarcinoma and usually heals it successfully
• Survival is very high – 90% of people with "high-risk disease" are cured and 100% of people with "low-risk disease" are cured.

Source: NHS and Cancer Research UK

Ms. Panter, director of a Cancer Research UK store, said she wanted to contribute to Choriocarcinoma awareness and fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

She will be competing in the Race for Life at Victoria Park in Leicester in July.

"It will be very emotional for Lydia to get around the course," she added.

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