Chorioangioma is a benign placental neoplasm that develops from the proliferating capillary vessels of the fetus. In most cases, the pathology is asymptomatic; as the tumor increases in size, clinical signs include polyhydramnios and fetal hypoxia. The rarity of the disease explains why foreign patients seeking help in Israeli clinics often cannot receive adequate assistance in their home countries. Treatment of chorioangioma in Israel involves the use of conservative and surgical methods that ensure a favorable prognosis, eliminate pathological symptoms for the mother and fetus, and prevent the occurrence of intrauterine developmental anomalies.
The modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment of Israeli perinatal centers allows for the timely and accurate diagnosis necessary for successful pregnancy management and significantly reduces the risk of congenital pathologies and perinatal mortality. The treatment program is developed by a medical council that makes a collective decision regarding the possibility and methods of addressing pregnancy complications, correcting fetal anemia, and preventing the development of related conditions. Patient reviews emphasize the effectiveness of the treatment provided, its reasonable cost, and the gentle impact of therapeutic methods on the bodies of the mother and child.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Chorioangioma, or hamartoma, of the placenta is the most commonly encountered tumor of placental tissues, consisting of fetal capillaries. Typically, this neoplasm is detected around the 20th to 35th week of pregnancy. The rarity of the pathology, and consequently the insufficient amount of data for research, explains the fact that the exact causes of its occurrence remain unclear. Factors most likely contributing to the development of the tumor process include chromosomal mutations, certain hereditary diseases, Rh conflict, multiple pregnancies, maternal diabetes, and smoking.
Chorioangioma is characterized by an exclusively benign nature, and cases of malignant transformation (malignancy) of the tumor have not yet been identified. The harm to the developing fetus is primarily due to the reduced blood flow through the placenta and the deficiency in oxygen and nutrient supply. The resulting hemodynamic disturbances lead to the gradual development of fetal anemia.
Until the tumor reaches significant size, the functioning of the fetoplacental complex is practically unaffected, and the pregnant woman does not experience discomfort. The increasing neoplasm causes polyhydramnios, which manifests externally as excessive abdominal enlargement, as well as a deterioration in the condition of the fetus, leading to increased fetal movements noted by the pregnant woman, which gradually decrease until complete cessation.
Complications most often begin to develop after the tumor reaches a size of 5 centimeters or more. Metabolic disturbances are observed, with delayed fetal development; if the disease progresses and adequate therapy is not provided, fetal demise may occur. Pregnant women are at increased risk of premature placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, and pregnancy loss.
The treatment scheme is based on data obtained from the diagnostic examination of the pregnant woman. The choice of therapy methods is significantly influenced by the size of the chorioangioma, its localization, and the presence and severity of fetal developmental disturbances. If a small tumor is detected in the woman and there are no complaints of worsening health, specific treatment is replaced with regular ultrasound monitoring aimed at timely diagnosis of serious complications.
Conservative Therapy
Based on structural characteristics and some other signs, chorioangiomas are classified into various types, the most dangerous of which is the angioblastic type. Patients diagnosed with this type of tumor and exhibiting clinical symptoms of the disease are indicated for medication and minimally invasive treatment methods aimed at:
- Eliminating polyhydramnios — for this purpose, patients are prescribed indomethacin, and in some cases, a therapeutic amniocentesis (removal of excessive amniotic fluid through uterine puncture).
- Correcting fetoplacental insufficiency — if there are no indications for immediate delivery, fetal nutrition is improved with the help of angioprotectors and tocolytic agents that facilitate the normalization of uteroplacental blood circulation. The resistance of the developing fetal tissues to hypoxic conditions is increased with the intake of membrane stabilizers and anti-hypoxic medications.
- Preventing the development of severe fetal anemia — to normalize significantly reduced hematological indicators in the fetus, intrauterine blood transfusion is performed. According to this progressive method, the abdominal wall and uterus of the pregnant woman are punctured, the umbilical vein is accessed, and donor erythrocyte mass is introduced into it.
Surgical Treatment
Various surgical treatment methods are indicated in cases of rapid disease progression and the emergence of threatening symptoms during the II and III trimesters of pregnancy. The following therapeutic methods are used:
- injection of ethyl alcohol into the tumor tissues;
- ultrasound-guided embolization of the chorioangioma vessels;
- laser coagulation or electrocautery of the blood vessels of the neoplasm, resulting in the cessation of normal blood supply to the tumor, leading to a reduction in its size.
In the absence of complications, delivery is planned, in most cases, via natural birth around the 37th week of gestation. In cases of large chorioangioma, significant hemodynamic disturbances, fetal hypotrophy, and other life-threatening pathologies, urgent cesarean section is indicated.
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How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
To assess the condition of the pregnant woman and fetus, and to establish the prognosis for the course of pregnancy and future delivery, a comprehensive examination is necessary, which is conducted in Israeli medical centers, on average, within three days.
Upon admission to the clinic, the patient undergoes a consultation with the leading obstetrician-gynecologist. During the appointment, the doctor reviews the medical history and the results of previous examinations. After a superficial examination, the specialist compiles a list of required tests.
On the following day, the diagnostic procedures listed are performed:
- ultrasound examination (US) of the placenta — the primary diagnostic method used to identify the tumor and describe its characteristics;
- Doppler ultrasound of the blood vessels of the uterus and placenta;
- methods for diagnosing fetal developmental pathologies (cardiotocography, fetometry, fetal echocardiography, and several others).
The results of the examinations are reviewed by a council that includes an obstetrician-gynecologist and specialized experts. After studying the obtained data, the doctors make a diagnosis and reach a collective decision regarding treatment.
How Much Does Treatment of the Disease Cost
The cost of treatment, which is among the most concerning questions for medical tourists, is determined after therapy is prescribed. Treatment in Israeli clinics costs patients approximately 30% less than in Western European countries and 50% less than in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- High effectiveness of anti-tumor treatment.
- Experienced qualified doctors.
- Availability of modern medical equipment.
- Inclusion of progressive methods and the latest medications in the treatment scheme.
- Affordable prices.
The health and normal development of the future child depend on the timeliness of diagnosing this pathology and providing adequate treatment. Do not waste time; contact your chosen Israeli clinic and undergo treatment with highly qualified specialists.