Gestational trophoblastic disease
What is gestational trophoblastic disease?
Gestational trophoblastic disease occurs in the uterus and starts in cells that form the placenta. Learn about GTD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risk.
Risk factors for gestational trophoblastic disease
Risk factors for gestational trophoblastic disease include maternal age, previous molar pregnancy and history of miscarriage. Learn about GTD risk.
Symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease
Symptoms of gestational trophoblastic disease include vaginal bleeding, swelling of the abdomen and ovarian cysts. Learn about the symptoms of GTD.
Diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease
Tests to diagnose gestational trophoblastic disease, such as ultrasound, are done when symptoms or tests suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing GTD.
Stages of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. The most common staging system for gestational trophoblastic disease is the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) system.
If gestational trophoblastic disease spreads
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the original location to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Prognosis and survival for gestational trophoblastic disease
Women with GTD may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a woman’s medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.
Treatments for gestational trophoblastic disease
Treatments for gestational trophoblastic disease include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Learn about treatment plans and options for GTD.
Supportive care for gestational trophoblastic disease
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.