Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of rare tumors that develop in the tissue that forms inside the uterus during pregnancy.
Types of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD):
- Hydatidiform mole: A benign (non-cancerous) tumor that develops from the tissue that forms after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This type of GTD can cause symptoms such as vaginal bleeding and an enlarged uterus.
- Choriocarcinoma: A malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops from the tissue that forms after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This type of GTD can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs and brain.
- Placental site trophoblastic tumor: A rare type of tumor that develops from the tissue that attaches the placenta to the uterus.
- Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: A rare type of tumor that develops from the tissue that attaches the placenta to the uterus.
Symptoms of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Seek a doctor if you experience any such symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged uterus
- Extreme seizures of vomiting and nausea
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
To diagnose GTD, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood tests to detect abnormal levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In some cases, a biopsy may be needed for further examination.
Treatment of GTD is done based on the type and stage of cancer. However, this treatment usually involves:
- Surgery – Removal of the tumor or uterus.
- Chemotherapy – Effective for treating malignant types like choriocarcinoma.
- Radiation therapy – Used if cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
If you suspect any of the symptoms of GTD, don’t wait for them to worsen. Schedule your consultation with our experts today for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.
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