This image depicts the gross and histological appearance of the five main types of trophoblastic and chorionic lesions of the uterus, which are cancers deriving from placental cells. Exaggerated placental site tumors may progress into aggressive placental site trophoblastic tumors, while choriocarcinoma tumors exhibit hemorrhage. Within chorionic lesions, placental site nodules progress into more aggressive epithelioid trophoblastic tumors.

Purpose
The image depicts the visual proportions of the various cell types and substances (interstitial trophoblasts (IT), cytotrophoblast (CT), syncytiotrophoblast (ST), muscle cells, lymphocytes, fibrin etc.) used to diagnose each type of cancer. This information is difficult to summarize in a clinical teaching setting using histological slides alone. The image offers these summaries for an audience of pathology residents and fellows in training. The image is intended for projection on a high-resolution large format LCD screen for presentations and discussions, allowing small details to be appreciated.

Technique
Full color illustration produced in Adobe Photoshop using an iMac computer.