Risk Factors, Screening and Diagnosis | Personalized Treatment | Additional Patient Support
Gestational trophoblastic disease is an extremely rare condition that develops from an abnormal pregnancy. With this disease, most women believe they are pregnant and have a positive pregnancy test. The benign form of gestational trophoblastic disease is called a molar pregnancy or hydatidiform mole. This involves an abnormal pregnancy that will typically require evacuation by a general OB/GYN physician.
The malignancy form of gestational trophoblastic disease is known as gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. This includes invasive moles, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumors and epithelioid trophoblastic tumors.
The experienced specialists at NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center combine the most advanced scientific knowledge and technology with a collaborative, personalized approach to care. Drawing from the diverse experience of physicians, surgeons, nurses, researchers and a host of other highly trained healthcare professionals, the Kellogg Cancer Center team places patients—and families—at the center of a healthcare experience that delivers compassionate, quality care
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Risk Factors, Screening and Diagnosis
Those at greater than average risk of developing a molar pregnancy include:
- Having a history of molar pregnancy
- Being at the extremes of reproductive age (<15 and >40)
- Being of Asian descent
A possible symptom is continued vaginal bleeding in a woman with a recent history of hydatidiform mole, abortion or term pregnancy. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Persistent enlargement of the uterus
- Persistently elevated HCG (pregnancy hormone) levels
Blood tests and a CT scan to detect potential metastatic tumor in any organ or a chest X-ray may be recommended to determine if cancer is present.
Personalized Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Treatment
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is easily treated and most often cured once it is diagnosed. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment. Many women are still able to conceive after they recover. In rare cases a hysterectomy may be necessary.
Your multidisciplinary team meets regularly in a multidisciplinary conference to discuss your case in detail and to design a personalized treatment plan. The team may include your gynecologic oncologist, radiation oncologist, geneticist, pathologist, nutritionist, pharmacist, interventional radiologist, social worker and researchers, all focused on you. This "meeting of the minds" provides critical input, resulting in an individualized care plan outlining the best course of action for your care.
Additional Patient Support
Kellogg Cancer Center’s unique services and resources assist patients and family members with a variety of challenges they may face from diagnosis, treatment and beyond. A wide array of support services are available to patients that include our integrative medicine services, financial advocacy and survivorship, to name a few.
For More Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, please call 847.570.2639.