Trophoblastic pseudotumor-Evidence of malignant disease potential

Trophoblastic pseudotumor, the histopathologic entity described by Kurman and associates (R. J. Kurman, R. E. Scully, and H. J. Norris, Cancer 38, 1214-1226 (1976)), has been considered in the scheme of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia as an exaggerated form of syncytial endometritis and, therefore, associated with a benign outcome. The manifestation of malignant sequalae and ultimate demise of a patient in a recognized case of trophoblastic pseudotumor is presented. Light and electron microscopic studies and autopsy findings are discussed. Therapies, both surgical and chemotherapeutic, and serum assay of the β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin are correlated to the clinical course.