Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
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Learn About Gestational Trophoblastic Disease

What is the definition of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of pregnancy-related conditions that develop inside a woman's uterus (womb). The abnormal cells start in the tissue that would normally become the placenta. The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the fetus.

In most cases, only placental tissue forms with gestational trophoblastic disease. In rare circumstances, a fetus may also form.

There are several types of GTD:

Hydatidiform mole -- This is the most common type of GTD. It is also called a molar pregnancy. It occurs when the fertilized egg develops into a mass or growth of tissues rather than a healthy pregnancy. Most hydatidiform moles are benign but some may cause complications. Rarely they develop into cancer. The condition is usually treated with a minor surgical procedure. Your health care provider will monitor you to make sure the condition does not return.

Invasive mole -- This is a rare but more severe form of GTD. The abnormal tissues can grow into the muscle wall of the uterus and spread to other parts of the body. It is often treated with a minor surgery followed by chemotherapy. In older women a hysterectomy may be done.

Choriocarcinoma -- This is a rare but aggressive cancer that develops from the cells of the placenta. It can also spread to other parts of the body. If diagnosed early, it is often treated with chemotherapy.

Placental site trophoblastic tumor -- This is a rare form of GTD that can occur after a normal pregnancy or delivery. It develops from the cells that attach the placenta to the uterus. The usual treatment is minor surgery followed by chemotherapy. If the disease is more advanced, more aggressive treatment may be needed.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor -- This is a rare type of tumor that may be benign or cancerous. Malignant tumors may spread to the lungs.

What are the symptoms of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?

Symptoms of GTD can include vaginal bleeding, abnormally high levels of certain hormones, such as hCG, and a rapidly enlarging uterus.

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What are the current treatments for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?

Most cases of GTD respond well to chemotherapy. The key to successful outcomes is careful monitoring after treatment to detect any recurrent disease.

Who are the top Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Local Doctors?
Elite in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Elite in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Referral may be required
London, ENG, GB 

Michael Seckl practices practicing medicine in London, United Kingdom. Mr. Seckl is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Choriocarcinoma, Hydatidiform Mole, Hysterectomy, and Orchiectomy.

Elite in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Elite in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Referral may be required
Montreal, QC, CA 

Rima Slim practices practicing medicine in Montreal, Canada. Ms. Slim is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. She is also highly rated in 4 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Hydatidiform Mole, Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Trophoblastic Tumor Placental Site, and Choriocarcinoma.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Elite in Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Referral may be required
Milan, IT 

Giorgia Mangili practices practicing medicine in Milan, Italy. Ms. Mangili is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease. She is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gestational Trophoblastic Disease, Hydatidiform Mole, Ovarian Cancer, Oophorectomy, and Salpingo-Oophorectomy.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease?

The prognosis for GTD is generally good, with a 90% cure rate for most types of the disease with proper treatment. However, it is important to detect and treat GTD early, because it becomes more difficult to treat if it spreads to other organs.

What are the latest Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Clinical Trials?
ASk Questions in GYnecologic Oncology (ASQ-GYO): A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Question Prompt List Communication Intervention in Outpatient Gynecologic Oncology Clinics

Summary: The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of the ASk Questions in GYnecologic Oncology question prompt list (ASQ-GYO QPL) at improving patient self-efficacy, distress, physician trust, and knowledge compared to usual care during new patient gynecologic oncology visits. Also to determine the acceptability of the ASQ-GYO QPL with new gynecologic oncology patients.

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Study of Different Therapeutic Strategies in Hydatidiform Mole With Lung Nodule,A Prospective Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary: The purpose of present study is to provide clinical evidences for the appropriate management of molar pregnancy with lung nodule. The hydatidiform mole patients with lung nodule ≥1.0cm will be randomized into 2 groups: A. treated with chemotherapy immediately, B. follow up until hCG level met FIGO diagnostic criteria of GTN (B1) or hCG level declined to normal spontaneously (B2). Lung nodule \<1.0...

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: April 16, 2024
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Goldstein DP, Berkowitz RS, Horowitz NS. Gestational trophoblastic disease. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 87.

National Cancer Institute website. Gestational trophoblastic disease treatment (pdq) – patient version. www.cancer.gov/types/gestational-trophoblastic/patient/gtd-treatment-pdq. Updated February 25, 2022. Accessed September 30, 2024.

Nica A, Bouchard-Fortier G, Covens A. Gestational trophoblastic disease: hydatidiform mole, nonmetastatic and metastatic gestational trophoblastic tumor: diagnosis and management. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 34.

Salani R, Bixel K, Copeland LJ. Malignant diseases and pregnancy. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 55.