DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Gynecologic Condition

Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)

HIGH SEVERITY

A group of rare tumors that involve abnormal growth of cells inside a woman's uterus that would normally develop into the placenta during pregnancy. Includes complete and partial moles.

Global Affected

45.0K

Countries

15

Symptoms

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy
Severe nausea and vomiting
Uterus larger than expected for gestational age
High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
Ovarian cysts (theca lutein)
Hyperthyroidism symptoms
Passage of grape-like vesicles

Treatment Options

Suction D&C
Hysterectomy
Methotrexate chemotherapy
Actinomycin-D chemotherapy
Combination chemotherapy (EMA-CO)
Radiation therapy (rare)
HCG monitoring

Risk Factors

1Extremes of maternal age (<15 or >35)
2Prior molar pregnancy
3Asian ethnicity
4Dietary factors (low carotene, folate)
5Blood type A women with type O partners
6Previous miscarriage

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Ultrasound (snowstorm appearance)
  • 2Quantitative hCG levels (markedly elevated)
  • 3Pelvic examination
  • 4Chest X-ray (for metastasis)
  • 5CT scan of chest/abdomen/pelvis
  • 6Tissue pathology

Prognosis

Excellent. Complete mole has 15-20% risk of persistent disease; partial mole 1-4%. Cure rate for non-metastatic disease approaches 100%. Metastatic disease has 90-95% cure rate with multi-agent chemotherapy. Future fertility usually preserved. Recurrence risk 1-2% after one molar pregnancy. Subsequent pregnancies require early ultrasound monitoring.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Early prenatal care
  • Adequate nutrition in pregnancy
  • HCG monitoring after molar pregnancy

Research Status

Suction dilation and curettage (D&C) for molar pregnancy. Chemotherapy for persistent or malignant GTD. Hysterectomy for women who don't want future pregnancy. Excellent cure rates with chemotherapy.

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.gov/types/gestational-trophoblastic/patient/gestational-treatment-pdq
  • https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/06/gestational-trophoblastic-disease
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430886

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.