This information is intended to provide a general overview of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD). It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare group of tumours that develop from the tissue that normally forms the placenta after conception. While the majority of GTD tumours are benign (non-cancerous), some may become malignant (cancerous). It is important to note that the only definitive way to prevent GTD is by not becoming pregnant.
GTD is categorised into two main groups:
Also known as a molar pregnancy, this is the most common type. In a molar pregnancy, abnormal tissue that can look like fluid-filled sacs forms in the uterus.
These are the malignant (cancerous) types of GTD.
Factors that may increase a woman's risk of developing GTD include:
The great majority of women with risk factors will not develop GTD. However, if risk factors are present, discussing them with a healthcare provider may lead to more frequent monitoring during early pregnancy.
These symptoms may be caused by Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, although they can also be due to other conditions. It is important to discuss any symptoms with a doctor, as they may signal other health issues. GTD symptoms may include:
At SSCHRC, our specialists, including pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, and highly trained technicians, utilise modern, accurate equipment to diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease and determine its stage. This enhances the likelihood of successful treatment.
The diagnosis process involves a review of the patient's medical history and a physical examination, and may include one or more of the following tests:
Performed to assess the size, shape, and position of the uterus and ovaries. The vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, and rectum are also checked.
An ultrasound test using a small probe placed in the vagina to visualise the uterus and nearby tissue.
Blood samples are used to measure specific markers, such as beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG), which may indicate gestational trophoblastic disease.
If cancer cells are identified, additional tests may be conducted to confirm if the disease has spread to other areas of the body. These may include:
If a diagnosis of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) is confirmed, the doctor will determine the stage of the disease. Staging is a classification system that indicates the extent of the disease in the body and where it has spread. This information is vital for planning the optimal treatment strategy. The stages of GTD are set by FIGO, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, ranging from Stage I to Stage IV. Higher stage numbers indicate more advanced cancer that is generally more challenging to treat. There is no staging system for benign hydatidiform moles.
The stages used for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) are:
The tumour is confined to the uterus only.
The tumour has spread beyond the uterus to areas such as the ovary, fallopian tube, vagina, and/or the connective tissues surrounding the uterus.
The tumour has spread to the lung(s), which may or may not be accompanied by spread to the ovary, fallopian tube, vagina, and/or the connective tissues around the uterus.
The tumour has spread to distant parts of the body other than the lungs, such as the liver, abdominal cavity, and/or brain.
The experts at SSCHRC have access to the most advanced technologies and therapies available today. Our doctors use this expertise to provide personalised treatment for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. GTD is often curable, particularly when diagnosed early. Even advanced disease is frequently curable with appropriate treatment, underscoring the importance of seeking expert care as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Your customised treatment plan will be determined by your care team and based on several factors, including:
The primary treatments for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease are surgery and/or chemotherapy. Treatment for symptoms and side effects may also be included in the care plan. The three standard types of treatment are:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, control their growth, or relieve disease-related symptoms. Treatment may involve a single drug or a combination of two or more drugs, depending on the type and stage of the cancer and its rate of growth.
Radiation therapy employs powerful, focused beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Various techniques are used to precisely target the tumour while minimising harm to healthy tissue. While rarely used in GTN, radiation therapy may be considered in specific circumstances.